Paraguay's President Peña impeached, arrested over banking scandal
Paraguay's Senate has removed President Santiago Peña from office following an impeachment trial linked to the Ueno Bank crisis, with lawmakers finding him guilty of poor performance in his duties.
The decision was reached on Friday, with all 44 senators present voting in favour of his removal and one senator absent.
Senate President Basilio Núñez announced the verdict, declaring that Peña had been removed from office in accordance with the impeachment vote.
During closing arguments, Deputy Rocío Vallejo accused Peña of prioritising private interests over public responsibility and alleged his involvement in a scheme to divert public funds through weakened financial controls.
She claimed the banking crisis had affected approximately three million people and accused the former president of helping establish a system that attracted public resources while compromising financial safeguards.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
More than half of the world's population lives in just seven countries
Deputy Raúl Benítez defended the impeachment proceedings, arguing that the Paraguayan state had abused its citizens.
Following Peña's removal, Vice-President Pedro Alliana was sworn in as Paraguay's new president, while Antonio Barrios was appointed vice-president.
Meanwhile, Paraguayan police detained Peña at his residence in Asunción under an order from prosecutors investigating alleged breach of trust connected to the Ueno Bank scandal.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
