Paraguay's Congress moved forward with impeachment proceedings against President Santiago Pena on Thursday (November 5), scheduling a hearing for Friday (November 6) at which the president is expected to present his defense.

Lawmakers accused Pena of dereliction of duty over the collapse of ueno Bank, which they said had affected around three million customers by leaving them unable to access their accounts.

Deputy Adrian Vazquez called on the Senate to find Pena guilty and remove him from office, while lawmakers cited alleged mismanagement of the financial crisis and conflicts of interest.

Senate President Basilio Nunez said Pena had been summoned to present his defense and evidence at a special session scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday.

Pena announced his resignation on Thursday while the Chamber of Deputies debated initiating impeachment proceedings against him, after losing the support of his party’s top leaders, who came out in favor of his removal from office. The lower house approved the impeachment proceedings and referred them to the Senate.

Congress convened both chambers to address the resignation, but the session adjourned for lack of a quorum and to continue the impeachment process. The president has said he will appear before lawmakers and defend himself.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

ASUNCION, PARAGUAY (NOVEMBER 5, 2026) (SENADO TV PARAGUAY HANDOUT - Access all)

1. PARAGUAYAN CONGRESS DURING SESSION

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PARAGUAYAN LAWMAKER, ROCIO VALLEJO, SAYING:

"Mr. President and members of the court, the facts known to all have led to the filing of this impeachment proceeding. On October 2, we experienced a tragic day in the financial sector with the collapse of a bank that has affected three million Paraguayans. Three million people can no longer access their accounts, and many may never be able to again."

3. SESSION IN PROGRESS

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PARAGUAYAN LAWMAKER, ADRIAN VAZQUEZ, SAYING:

"We request that this honorable chamber proceed with the impeachment of President Santiago Pena, finding him guilty of dereliction of duty, for the purpose of removing him from office and safeguarding the republican order and the assets of all Paraguayans."

5. SESSION IN PROGRESS

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OF PARAGUAY, BASILIO NUNEZ, SAYING:

"The indictment and documents submitted by the Honorable Chamber of Deputies will be served on the accused, summoning the accused to present a defense and offer the evidence on which the accused intends to rely at the special session tomorrow at 10:00 a.m."

7. SESSION IN PROGRESS