Pedro Alliana sworn in as Paraguay president after Peña’s removal

On 6 November 2026, Pedro Alliana took the presidential oath in Asunción before a joint sitting of Paraguay’s Congress. He had been the country’s vice president. The Senate removed President Santiago Peña earlier that day after finding against him on a charge of poor performance in office. Alliana will complete the term that began in 2023 and ends in 2028. The change in office came through constitutional succession.

The impeachment and the swearing-in were separate steps. Deputies presented the accusation in the impeachment proceeding, and senators voted on whether to remove Peña. Both chambers then took part in the ceremony at which Alliana assumed office. Congress subsequently selected Antonio Barrios as vice president for the remainder of the term. Barrios resigned his Senate seat before taking the vice presidential oath. This filled the vacancy left by Alliana’s move to the presidency.

Facts to remember

• Presidential oath: 6 November 2026 in Asunción, Paraguay.
• Pedro Alliana succeeded Santiago Peña and will complete the 2023–2028 term.
• Congress selected Antonio Barrios to fill the vice presidency for the rest of the term.
• Article 225 covers impeachment procedure; Articles 227 and 234 address succession and vacancies.

Background

Under Article 225 of Paraguay’s Constitution, the Chamber of Deputies brings the accusation by a two-thirds majority, while the Senate tries it and can remove the officeholder by the prescribed two-thirds majority. The vice president takes over when the presidency becomes permanently vacant. Article 234 also provides for Congress to fill a permanent vice presidential vacancy arising in the final two years of the term.

Why it matters for exams

For CLAT International Relations and comparative Constitutional Law, distinguish removal from office, presidential succession and the filling of a separate vice presidential vacancy.