Puerto Rico's Supreme Court has overturned the swearing in of Pedro Pierluisi as the island's governor less than a week ago, clearing the way for Justice Secretary Wanda Vázquez to take up the post after weeks of turmoil.
Wednesday's decision cannot be appealed. But it is expected to unleash new demonstrations because many Puerto Ricans have said they don't want her as governor.
Pierluisi was appointed secretary of state by then-Gov. Ricardo Rosselló while legislators were in recess, and only the House approved his nomination. Pierluisi was then sworn in as governor Friday after Rosselló formally resigned in response to angry street protests.
Proposed Secretary of State Pedro Pierluisi listens to his sister and spokesperson Caridad Pierluisi during a break in his confirmation hearing at the House of Representatives, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday, August 2, 2019. As Gov. Ricardo Rossello is expected to leave office in a few hours, the Puerto Rican House of Representatives is expected to vote on Pierluisi's confirmation Friday afternoon. If he is rejected, Justice Secretary Wanda Vazquez automatically becomes governor as the next in the order of succession, even though she has said she would unwillingly accept the job. (AP PhotoDennis M. Rivera Pichardo)
Puerto Rico's Senate sued to challenge Pierluisi's legitimacy as governor, arguing that its approval was also necessary. The Supreme Court judges ruled in favor of the Senate.