Pedro Alliana takes power in Paraguay after Peña's removal

Pedro Alliana became Paraguay's new head of state minutes after Santiago Peña was removed from office amid the financial scandal over Ueno Bank's collapse, thrusting him into power during a deep institutional crisis. Alliana, 52, rose through the Colorado Party ranks, serving as governor of Ñeembucú, a decade as a congressman, and party president from 2016 to 2023. He was a key ally of former President Horacio Cartes before their relationship deteriorated, and he joined Peña's winning 2023 presidential ticket as vice president. His tenure faces scrutiny over alleged nepotism, including family members in public posts, and past associations with the "new Golden Cuatrinomio," a term linking Colorado leaders to Stroessner-era power structures. He must now govern until August 2028 with Antonio Barrios as vice president.