Pedro Alliana Sworn In as Paraguay's President After Santiago Peña's Impeachment

Pedro Alliana, who spent three years as Paraguay's vice president, was sworn in as the country's new president on Friday after the impeachment of Santiago Peña. The South American nation is facing a political and financial crisis triggered this week by the collapse of Ueno Bank, which froze the savings of half of the country's adult population.

The 52-year-old Alliana pledged to deal with the situation before his term ends in August 2028. Peña, meanwhile, has been placed under house arrest in the capital, Asunción. According to prosecutors, he is due to be questioned on Saturday over alleged breach of trust, influence peddling and misappropriation of funds.

Who is Pedro Alliana

Alliana was born in February 1974 in Pilar, on the Paraguay River. Before entering politics he pursued a business career and played basketball, representing the Paraguayan national team in 1991. Both of his parents served as local councillors.

His first political attempt ended in defeat in 2006, when, aged 32, he failed to win the mayoralty of his hometown. Two years later he was elected governor of the southern department of Ñeembucú. He then sat in the Chamber of Deputies from 2013 to 2023, presided over the lower house and went on to lead the ruling Colorado Party.

He built his career with the backing of former president Horacio Cartes, one of the country's most influential figures and leader of the Colorado Party. In 2021 Alliana expected to run for the Senate, but later recalled that Cartes told him he would instead be Peña's running mate. Alliana has been criticised over the number of relatives in public administration posts, including his eldest daughter, Montserrat. He is a father of four and is married to congresswoman Fabiana Souto.

Relationship with Cartes

Alliana did not hide his presidential ambitions. A year into his vice presidency he publicly acknowledged wanting the top job one day, and in 2025 Cartes openly backed his possible candidacy. The relationship later broke down. After Cartes withdrew his support, Alliana said on 26 October that loyalty should not be confused with "blind obedience." Lawmakers moved to impeach Peña but rejected proceedings against Alliana.