Pedro Alliana sworn in as Paraguay president after Santiago Peña's impeachment

After three years as vice president, Pedro Alliana suddenly found himself catapulted to Paraguay's presidency on Friday following the impeachment of ousted leader Santiago Peña.

Alliana, a former national team basketball player who would go on to lead the Colorado Party, takes office amid a political and financial crisis in the South American nation that was sparked by the collapse of Ueno Bank this week, which froze the savings of half of the country’s adult population.

After taking office, the 52-year-old vowed to tackle the situation before his term ends in August 2028.

It comes as Peña has been placed under house arrest in the capital, Asunción, and is awaiting questioning on Saturday over alleged crimes of breach of trust, influence peddling and misappropriation of funds, prosecutors said.

Who is Pedro Alliana?

Born in February 1974 in Pilar, on the banks of the Paraguay River, Alliana built his political career with the backing of former president Horacio Cartes, one of the most influential figures in the country and the leader of the ruling Colorado Party.

Before going into politics, Alliana pursued a business career and also made a name for himself as a basketball player, representing the Paraguayan national team in 1991.

Politics was present in Alliana's life from an early age, with both of his parents having served as local councillors.

His first venture into politics ended in defeat in 2006, however, when he unsuccessfully sought the mayoralty of his hometown at the age of 32.

But two years later, he managed to get elected as governor of the southern department of Neembucu.

He later served in the Chamber of Deputies from 2013 to 2023, presided over the lower house, and then led the Colorado Party.

In 2021, Alliana expected to run for the Senate, but he would later recall that Cartes told him he would instead become Peña's running mate. Peña previously said that Alliana could become "the best vice president in Paraguay's history."

Alliana has faced criticism over the number of relatives holding posts in public administration, among them his eldest daughter, Montserrat. The father of four is married to congresswoman Fabiana Souto.

Cartes

Alliana did not hide his presidential ambitions. A year after taking up the vice presidency, he publicly acknowledged his desire to one day take the top job.

In 2025, Cartes openly backed his possible candidacy.

"Pedro, you are blessed," he said at a Colorado Party event, where he called for supporters to get behind him as the "next president of the Republic."

However, the relationship between the two eventually broke down. After Cartes withdrew his support, Alliana distanced himself and stated on 26 October that loyalty should not be confused with "blind obedience."

His luck changed again when lawmakers moved to impeach Peña but rejected proceedings against Alliana.