Puerto Rico’s Justice Secretary Wanda Vázquez became the third person in a week to occupy the post of governor of the U.S. territory.
Vázquez was sworn in late Wednesday afternoon, hours after the island’s Supreme Court unanimously ruled that part of the law used by embattled Gov. Ricardo Rosselló to name Pedro Pierluisi as his successor was unconstitutional.
“I arrive at this position by constitutional provision and by opinion of law, but with the greatest respect and determination to serve my people and to push Puerto Rico forward,” said Vázquez in a statement after being sworn at the Puerto Rico Supreme Court in San Juan. “It is with great humility and commitment that I assume the position to direct the destinies of our country, with responsibility and delivery.”
Vázquez, who was appointed in 2017, is seen as loyal to Rosselló and protesters gathered in front of the governor’s mansion shortly after she was sworn in. The hashtag #WandaRenuncia (#WandaResign) was already trending on Twitter.
The Supreme Court decision came after Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz filed a lawsuit Monday, asking courts to immediately remove Pierluisi from his post based on the fact that the events didn’t follow the constitution.
Vázquez is a member of the political party in power, which supports statehood for Puerto Rico, as well as Rosselló, Pierluisi and Rivera Schatz.
