Pedro Alliana, leukemia survivor, assumes Paraguay's presidency

Pedro Alliana assumed the presidency of Paraguay on Friday following the removal of Santiago Peña, who was implicated in the crisis caused by the closure of Ueno bank. Alliana, a 52-year-old leukemia survivor, previously served as vice president for three years. Alliana overcame aggressive leukemia in 2019, a period that strengthened his Catholic faith and deepened his ties to Horacio Cartes, the Colorado Party leader who funded his treatment in Brazil. Known as a lifelong Colorado Party member, he began his political career as governor of Ñeembucú from 2008 to 2013 before serving two terms as a deputy. A conservative who lives by the motto "God, country, and family," Alliana is married to rancher and Colorado Party deputy Fabiana Souto, with whom he has three children. He was formerly a businessman and played for Paraguay's national basketball team. He now assumes office with Cartes as his political mentor.