Thousands Protest in Paraguay as Congress Weighs Impeachment Amid Banking Crisis

OPA WIRE, Nov 6 (OPA) — Protesters gathered in public squares bearing placards, demanding justice and accountability while calling for political leaders to step down. One demonstrator brandished a Paraguayan football shirt bearing the Ueno Bank logo with the name crossed out in protest against frozen savings. Others displayed an effigy of President Santiago Peña and set fire to his image as police monitored the demonstrations, which drew families and young people alike.

The deepening financial crisis has directly impacted millions of citizens, leaving three million bank customers locked out of their accounts. Public anger has intensified over attempts to bypass accountability, fueling demands that Peña face a full impeachment trial rather than being allowed to resign and secure lifetime senatorial immunity.

The political crisis escalated after President Santiago Peña tendered his resignation. Congress chose to put the departure on hold while formal impeachment proceedings move forward, leaving him temporarily in office while legislators debate his political future.

Demonstrators insisted that a simple resignation is insufficient accountability for the unfolding institutional and financial crisis. Protest organizers and citizens alike maintain that ongoing legislative proceedings must continue to address the systemic failures exposed by the banking freeze.