Paraguay's Senate Removes President Santiago Peña in Bank Scandal

Paraguay's Senate unanimously removed President Santiago Peña from office following a bank scandal, after the Chamber of Deputies also voted unanimously for his impeachment. Peña faces accountability for the collapse of Ueno Bank, which has endangered millions of citizens' savings. Peña, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, was found guilty of dereliction of duty by senators. He did not attend the hearing, sending lawyers instead, after his request for a 72-hour delay was rejected. His attorneys argued the process was void due to his resignation. Peña submitted his resignation on Thursday to avoid impeachment and potential prosecution, but Congress rejected it. The resignation would have granted him lifelong senatorial immunity, which is forfeited upon impeachment conviction. Paraguay is facing severe financial and political turmoil over the bank's insolvency.