SAEDNEWS: Paraguay Faces Deepening Political and Financial Turmoil as President Santiago Peña Is Removed Amid Banking Scandal Allegations
According to Saednews, Paraguay's Senate has unanimously voted to impeach President Santiago Peña, following a unanimous vote in favour of his removal by the lower house, according to footage broadcast on Paraguayan television and reported by DPA.
Vice President Pedro Alliana was sworn in as the country's new president shortly after Peña's removal. He is expected to remain in office until August 2028.
Legal proceedings against Peña began almost immediately after Alliana took office.
Under an order issued by prosecutors, Peña must remain under house arrest until he appears before a specialised unit investigating economic crimes and corruption. Local media reports indicate that his appearance is expected on Saturday.
Footage broadcast by Paraguayan news outlet ABC showed police officers stationed outside Peña's residence.
An arrest warrant was also issued for Central Bank Chief Carlos Carvallo.
During the impeachment proceedings, senators concluded that Peña had engaged in misconduct while in office.
Peña did not attend the Senate hearing and was instead represented by his lawyers. He had previously requested a 72-hour postponement, but the request was rejected.
His legal team argued that the impeachment process was no longer valid because Peña had already submitted his resignation. However, both the Senate and the lower house refused to accept it.
Had Congress approved his resignation, Peña would have been entitled to a lifetime Senate seat as a former president, along with parliamentary immunity.
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