Paraguay's President Santiago Peña impeached and arrested after bank collapse
Paraguay's President Santiago Peña was impeached and placed under house arrest on Friday after the collapse of Ueno Bank, a digital bank linked to his private business interests. The impeachment passed with 44 of 45 senators voting in favor, stripping him of immunity typically granted to ex-presidents. Peña, who held shares in the bank's parent company until last year, faces charges of misconduct, conflict of interest, and influence peddling. The bank's seizure has left an estimated three million depositors unable to access savings, triggering widespread protests, particularly in the capital Asunción. He denies any wrongdoing. Vice-President Pedro Alliana was sworn in as interim president, pledging full compensation for those affected. Peña is scheduled to be questioned on Saturday over allegations including breach of trust and misappropriation of funds, with analysts expecting prosecution. His defense lawyer called the accusations "irresponsible and opportunistic."