Paraguay's Peña Fights Senate Ouster as Bank Collapse Threatens Criminal Immunity
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Nov 5
Paraguay's Peña Fights Senate Ouster as Bank Collapse Threatens Criminal Immunity
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Nov 5
Summary
Santiago Peña said he will defend himself in the Senate against removal from office rather than simply resign, setting up a fight over how his presidency ends.
That distinction matters because a forced ouster could strip Peña of immunity from criminal prosecution, while resignation may leave that protection intact.
Peña had announced Thursday that he would step down under pressure over ties to a major commercial bank that collapsed this week.
Lawmakers in the lower house still moved to impeach him — with support from both the opposition and members of his own party — leaving the Senate to decide his fate.