Symbolic imageParaguay's Senate presses on with Peña impeachment after he is refused more time
Paraguay's Senate rejected President Santiago Peña's request for three more days and continued his impeachment trial on Friday. Congress had refused to accept the resignation he announced a day earlier.
The lower house voted 78 to 0 on Thursday, 5 November, to impeach Peña over the collapse of the digital bank Ueno. In the Senate, between 39 and 42 of 45 members voted against his delay, according to ABC Color (via Breitbart) and Telesur. Peña stayed away, but his lawyers asked senators to accept the resignation and end the case, and warned of an appeal to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights if he is removed irregularly. Senators unanimously admitted the evidence against him. Removal needs 30 of 45 votes, and FAZ calls it very likely.
Immunity at stake
Former presidents get a lifetime Senate seat with immunity, but not those removed by impeachment. Opposition senator Líder Amarilla said accepting the resignation would amount to impunity.
Charges against Peña
The opposition cites his stake in Ueno's owner group until March 2025, state funds placed in the bank and his appointment of a former Ueno manager as central bank chief. Peña denies wrongdoing.
Customers still locked out
About 3 million customers lost access to their accounts after the central bank ordered Ueno closed on Tuesday. First repayments have begun, FAZ reports.