Pedro Alliana takes over as president of Paraguay after Santiago Peña's ousting

Pedro Alliana has assumed the presidency of Paraguay following the ousting of Santiago Peña, who was stripped of his position by Congress with a vote of 44 senators in favor, becoming the second president in the country’s recent history to be removed from office. Peña, who had been in office since 2023, faces an arrest warrant in connection with the banking scandal linked to Ueno Bank, which has affected nearly 3 million savers, whose funds are currently frozen.

Alliana, who was serving as vice president until now, promises to address the negative impacts of the Ueno Bank closure and has announced plans to take measures to compensate those affected by this financial crisis. He is expected to complete the presidential term until August 2028 and maintain cooperation with the United States, as he comes from the same political project as his predecessor, according to El Tiempo.

The political situation in Paraguay has generated a severe institutional crisis. The impeachment trial against Peña was based on five grounds, which resulted in uncertainty and distrust in the country’s banking system. With his rise to power, Alliana faces the significant challenge of restoring citizens' trust and improving the economic situation.

The scandal surrounding Ueno Bank has raised significant concern in Paraguayan society, prompting Alliana to promise immediate results from his officials. According to Infobae, the new president intends to compensate the affected savers, although specific details of the measures have yet to be clarified.

According to various reports, Santiago Peña was ousted in a context of crisis that has intensified in recent weeks, coinciding with the bank controversy and its multiple implications. The Chamber of Deputies supported the measure, generating repercussions at the national level.

As the new president, Pedro Alliana will need to work not only on reviving the economy but also on rebuilding institutional credibility, aspects that are crucial given the country’s situation. A new vice president is expected to be elected by the Senate, thus completing the government restructuring.