Politics1 min read

Impeached Paraguay President Peña placed under house arrest after bank collapse

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The political fallout follows allegations that the administration channeled hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds into the private lender while regulators ignored risky practices. The institution's sudden seizure locked more than three million customers out of their accounts and stranded $21 million meant for state electrical projects. Authorities are also prosecuting central bank president Carlos Carvallo over his previous ties to the financial firm. The removal marks only the second presidential impeachment in Paraguay since the end of Alfredo Stroessner's dictatorship in 1989.

Key points

  • The abrupt transition of power leaves Vice President Pedro Alliana leading the nation whi…: The abrupt transition of power leaves Vice President Pedro Alliana leading the nation while facing an active inquiry.
  • Regulatory authorities intervened after discovering undocumented lending that violated le…: Regulatory authorities intervened after discovering undocumented lending that violated legal limits and compromised customer assets.
  • Economic consequences continue to mount as the fallout drives down the value of Paraguay'…: Economic consequences continue to mount as the fallout drives down the value of Paraguay's national currency and sovereign bonds.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Ousted Paraguayan president Santiago Peña was placed under house arrest in Asunción on Friday, November 6, on charges including breach of trust and influence peddling, hours after the Senate impeached him over the collapse of Ueno Bank, which left millions of customers unable to access their savings. Peña has been ordered to remain at one of his homes until he appears before prosecutors on Saturday.

All 44 senators present voted to remove Peña from office over misconduct, making him the second Paraguayan president to be ousted through impeachment since the end of Alfredo Stroessner's 35-year dictatorship in 1989. The charges against Peña include using public office for personal gain. Some carry prison terms of up to 10 years.

Lawmakers have accused Peña of using his political influence to direct hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds to Ueno Bank while regulators overlooked risky lending to companies linked to the lender's owners. Peña has denied wrongdoing.

Police surrounded his residence on Friday night as protesters gathered outside, waving Paraguayan flags and vowing to keep watch until morning.

Prosecutors have also…

Politics