Turmoil Worsens in Paraguay

Lawmakers voted Thursday to begin impeachment hearings against President Luis Gonzalez Macchi, deepening political and economic turmoil in this troubled South American country.

In a packed session of Paraguay’s lower house, opponents of Gonzalez Macchi accused him of possessing a luxury automobile reported to be stolen and mishandling millions of dollars in state funds.

The lower house approved the opening of hearings Thursday by a vote of 60 to 0, with 11 abstentions and nine lawmakers absent.

The issue now rests with Paraguay’s Senate.

No timetable was set for senators to examine the charges lodged by several congressmen.

A two-thirds majority vote would be needed to remove Gonzalez Macchi from office.

The president denied the accusations and said he would submit to the hearings, which are to begin in about two weeks.

“Of course I’ll comply, and if necessary I will go before the Senate to defend myself in person,” he said, speaking to Paraguay’s Radio Uno from Brasilia, Brazil, where he is attending a South American trade group meeting.

The congressional investigation is the latest blow for Gonzalez Macchi, who is struggling to tame a burgeoning economic crisis in one of South America’s poorest countries. His popularity ratings have plummeted in recent months.

Paraguay is also home to one of the continent’s biggest black markets, especially for automobiles.

Earlier this year, lawmakers opened an investigation into the luxury BMW driven by the president after a Brazilian insurance company reported that it belonged to a pharmaceutical company.

Under pressure, Gonzalez Macchi returned the $80,000 vehicle, but said that he bought it legally.