Paraguay’s Senate was scheduled to resume President Santiago Peña’s impeachment trial Friday, with Peña expected to present his defense. (Foto: Instagram)
Paraguay’s Senate was scheduled to resume President Santiago Peña’s impeachment trial 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 defend himself with arguments and evidence and with respect for the Constitution and the country’s institutions.
The Senate began the trial at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, after the Chamber of Deputies approved the accusations against Peña. The proceedings were suspended at 9 p.m. The account listed Rodrigo Blanco, Raúl Benítez, Rocío Vallejo, Adrián Vaesken, Pedro Gómez, Mauricio Espínola, Luis Fernando Franco and Carlos Núñez Salinas as members of the group presenting the case.
A group of lawmakers filed the impeachment request Wednesday, Nov. 4. The following day, Peña announced his resignation in a social media video, 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, sending the case to the Senate.
After Peña’s defense, senators are expected to review evidence, hear arguments from both sides and hold a roll-call vote. The process requires five sessions. The account said the second session would take place Tuesday morning, with the presentation and review of evidence beginning at 1 p.m. in the third session. A fourth session would include final arguments, followed by a vote that evening. It also said the aim was to complete the process on Friday.
Peña is accused of favoring Grupo Vázquez, which controls Ueno. He was a shareholder in the group until March 2025. He is also accused of failing to ensure adequate oversight by the Central Bank of Paraguay. Carlos Carvallo, the bank’s previous president, had led the digital bank until 2023.
Other allegations concern damage to confidence in the financial system and alleged improper intervention in IPS, the institution that administers workers’ pensions and health services. Ueno Bank managed nearly 4.5 billion Brazilian reais in public funds, including pension resources. The accusations also include indications of illicit enrichment.
