(Update, June 26th 2012) Fernando Lugo, the president of Paraguay, has vowed to fight on after being ousted in what he calls a parliamentary coup. He was removed from office in a 39-4 vote by the opposition-controlled Senate on grounds that he encouraged land seizures and failed to maintain social harmony in Paraguay. But the new president, Federico Franco, says the Paraguayan Congress has acted legally. So was Lugo’s removal justified, and what is next for Paraguay? Guests: Michael Shifter, Miguel Carrizosa Galiano, Adrienne Pine.
(Update, June 24th 2012) The deposed Paraguay president Fernando Lugo has branded the country’s new government illegitimate and called for a return to democratic rule following his sudden impeachment two days ago.
Lugo, 61, a leftist former Roman Catholic bishop, said on Sunday his removal from office was “a parliamentary coup against the will of the people” and said he would back any peaceful effort to restore democracy in the soy-exporting South American nation.
Congress voted overwhelmingly on Friday to remove Lugo from office on Friday, saying he had failed in his duty to maintain social order following a bloody land eviction.
The leaders of Argentina, Ecuador and Venezuela say they don’t recognise the new President of Paraguay. Federico Franco took over from Fernando Lugo, who was tried and voted out by the senate on Friday. Al Jazeera’s Caroline Malone reports.
(Update, June 22nd 2012) Paraguay’s Senate has voted to remove President Fernando Lugo from office. Lugo has described the impeachment trial as a thinly veiled coup. He’s been succeeded by Vice President Federico Franco. Al Jazeera’s Tom Ackerman reports.
