Paraguay’s Senate is scheduled to resume impeachment proceedings against President Santiago Peña on Friday, Nov. 6, when he is expected to present his defense. (Foto: Instagram)
Paraguay’s Senate is scheduled to resume its impeachment proceedings against President Santiago Peña at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, with Peña expected to present his defense. He confirmed on social media that he would attend Congress, saying he would exercise his right to defend himself with arguments and evidence and with respect for the Constitution and the country’s institutions.
The Senate began the proceedings at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, after the Chamber of Deputies approved the accusations against Peña. The account said seven deputies presented the case, naming Rodrigo Blanco, Raúl Benítez, Rocío Vallejo, Adrián Vaesken, Pedro Gómez, Mauricio Espínola, Luis Fernando Franco and Carlos Núñez Salinas. The hearing was suspended at 9 p.m.
A group of deputies filed the impeachment request Wednesday, Nov. 4. The following day, Peña announced in a social media video that he was resigning, saying, “No position can be more important than the well-being of Paraguay.” His resignation was not accepted, and the Chamber of Deputies approved opening impeachment proceedings. The case then went to the Senate, which began its review Thursday.
After Peña presents his defense, senators are expected to examine evidence, hear arguments from both sides and hold a roll-call vote. The proceedings require five sessions. The first took place Thursday night; the account said the second would be held Tuesday morning, while also describing a plan to finish the entire process Friday. It said evidence would be presented and reviewed beginning at 1 p.m. in the third session, followed by a fourth session for closing arguments, with a vote expected that evening.
Peña faces accusations that he favored Grupo Vázquez, which controls Ueno. He held shares in the group until March 2025. He is also accused of failing to ensure adequate oversight by the Central Bank of Paraguay. The bank’s previous president, Carlos Carvallo, had led the digital bank until 2023.
Other accusations include responsibility for damage to confidence in the financial system and alleged improper intervention in IPS, the institution that administers workers’ pensions and health care. Ueno Bank managed nearly 4.5 billion Brazilian reais in public funds, including pension resources. The case also includes indications of alleged illicit enrichment.
