Paraguay’s Interior Minister Enrique Riera resigned as lawmakers prepared to resume impeachment proceedings against President Santiago Peña. (Foto: Instagram)
Paraguay’s Interior Minister Enrique Riera resigned Thursday, Nov. 5, and is set to return to the Senate as lawmakers prepare to resume consideration of an impeachment case against President Santiago Peña on Friday, Nov. 6. Paraguayan media reported the resignation, which followed Peña’s own move to resign.
Riera’s return to the Senate could allow him to vote in the impeachment proceedings. ABC Color reported that enabling him to participate in the vote was a strategy behind his resignation. Carlos Humberto Benítez González will take over as interior minister.
The impeachment process is continuing despite Peña’s request to resign, which Congress did not accept. The crisis began with the collapse of Ueno Bank. Peña was a shareholder in Grupo Vázquez, the bank’s controlling group, until March 2025. Ueno also held Paraguayan public funds, including money belonging to the country’s social security system.
Ueno Bank is under investigation over suspected manipulation of its financial position and a lending scheme involving companies reportedly linked to the group that controls the bank. Eight executives have been arrested, including Miguel Vázquez, the bank’s largest shareholder and vice president.
The Paraguayan Senate has called on Peña to present his defense Friday. Afterward, lawmakers are expected to review evidence, hear arguments from both sides and hold a recorded vote. At least 30 of the 45 senators must vote for Peña’s removal. If they do, Vice President Pedro Alliana would assume the presidency under the constitutional line of succession.
