The Squatter of Amon Rudh said
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I'm of the opinion that a farcical aquatic ceremony is the only legitimate means of conferring true authority.
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Right, you can't go around saying you're king just because some watery tart threw a sword at you.
<pausing for fond contemplation of 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'>
Okay, to get back on topic: I have always thought that Gandalf was able to take up authority in Gondor after the battle of Pelenor Fields simply because he was on the spot and started taking care of things that needed to done, starting with sending Faramir to the Houses of Healing. And really, there aren't any other candidates available right after the battle: Denethor, dead; Faramir, at death's door; Prince Imrahil, busy on the battlefield plus he's not actually Gondorian -- he's part of the Steward's family by marriage; Aragorn, not willing to take on the leadership of the city officially; Eomer, certainly not Gondorian and busy with his own people. Of course, Gandalf isn't Gondorian either, but he is at least sane, healthy and not as tired as the rest of the leadership is after fighting for most of the last 24 hours.
As Gandalf isn't making a bid for permanent power and is trying to get things under control, why not let him run things for awhile?