Paraguayan President Santiago Peña resigned Thursday amid a political and banking crisis as Congress began steps toward an impeachment vote against him and Vice President Pedro Alliana. (Foto: Instagram)
Paraguayan President Santiago Peña resigned Thursday, November 5, amid a political and banking crisis. Peña, 47, was elected in April 2023 as a member of the right-wing Colorado Party.
Peña succeeded Mario Abdo Benítez, who also belongs to the Colorado Party. The resignation came as Paraguay’s Congress began steps toward an impeachment vote against Peña and Vice President Pedro Alliana.
Earlier Thursday, the impeachment effort had support from both opposition lawmakers and members of the governing coalition, according to the report. Congress had begun the process, but the report did not say that a vote had taken place.
The crisis began after digital bank Ueno closed, leaving thousands of customers unable to access their money. Peña had been a shareholder in the group that controlled the institution.
Opposition figures accused Paraguay’s Central Bank of covering up irregularities. The report did not specify what the alleged irregularities were or provide further details about the bank’s closure. It said the story was still being updated.
