Pedro Alliana, leukemia survivor, assumes Paraguay's presidency after Peña's removal

Pedro Alliana assumed the presidency of Paraguay on Friday following the removal of Santiago Peña, who was implicated in the crisis triggered by the closure of Ueno Bank. Alliana, a survivor of leukemia, took office amid the political turmoil. Alliana, 52, previously served as vice president for three years and is a lifelong member of the Colorado Party, unlike his predecessor who began in a rival party. In his first address, he pledged to compensate those affected by the financial collapse that cost Peña his position. Known as "Mangui," Alliana overcame aggressive leukemia in 2019 with treatment funded by party leader Horacio Cartes, who remains his political mentor. A former basketball player and governor, he is a conservative married to lawmaker Fabiana Souto with three children.