By The Haitian Tribune Staff
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay — Paraguay’s Congress has impeached President Santiago Peña following the collapse of Ueno Bank, a financial crisis that reportedly left millions of people unable to access their savings. Peña was placed under house arrest as authorities prepared to question him over alleged misconduct.
The Senate voted 44–0 to remove Peña, with one senator absent. Some members of his own party supported the decision. Peña had offered to resign the day before, but lawmakers chose to impeach him, accusing him of failing in his duties and stripping him of protections typically granted to former presidents.
The charges allege conflicts of interest, interference with regulatory oversight, misuse of pension funds and a cover-up involving the central bank. Peña, who previously held shares in the company that owned Ueno Bank, has denied wrongdoing. His lawyer called the allegations reckless and politically motivated.
The bank’s collapse prompted long lines at withdrawal locations and protests across the country, including in the capital, Asunción. Demonstrators demanded access to their savings; earlier protests saw police use tear gas and water cannons.
Vice President Pedro Alliana was sworn in as interim president and pledged to support people affected by the crisis. Prosecutors are expected to question Peña as they investigate allegations including breach of trust, influence peddling and misappropriation of funds.
The crisis has shaken confidence in Paraguay’s financial system and government. The allegations against Peña remain under investigation, while the fate of depositors’ savings is a central concern for the new administration.
The Haitian Tribune NewsRoom
