US House Republicans block effort to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

Republicans in the US House of Representatives voted 211 to 204 on Tuesday to refer eight articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Judiciary Committee, effectively halting the effort. The impeachment push was sponsored by outgoing Republican Representative Thomas Massie, but no other Republicans joined him. Eleven Democrats did not vote, preventing the procedural measure from being defeated. The articles accused Hegseth of illegally ordering military action in Iran, Yemen, the Caribbean Sea, and Venezuela. Lankadeepa also reported accusations that Hegseth gave incorrect information to President Donald Trump, drawing the country into war with Iran. Reports noted the vote displayed Republican unity following recent midterm election defeats. Hegseth defended his record before the vote, while President Trump welcomed the decision.

US Congressman Thomas Massie introduces resolution to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth

United States Republican Representative Thomas Massie has submitted eight articles of impeachment against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of abusing his authority and violating the US Constitution and the War Powers Act. The charges include conducting unauthorized military operations in Iran, including an airstrike on a school in Minab that killed over 200 civilians, arresting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and attacking suspected drug boats, killing 243 people. Massie urged Hegseth to resign or be replaced before Democrats assume control of Congress in January following recent midterm elections. A House vote on the impeachment motion is expected this week. Hegseth dismissed Massie as a disgruntled lawmaker and rejected the effort, stating that he welcomed the opportunity to defend his actions before Congress.

Republican Representative Thomas Massie moves to force impeachment vote against Pete Hegseth

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has moved to hold an impeachment vote against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of waging unauthorized military actions against Iran for over 90 days and abusing his powers. Massie officially submitted the resolution on Monday, with action expected within 48 hours or by Wednesday. Lankasri reported that Massie had originally introduced the resolution on 15 September before Congress adjourned. Massie stated the effort aims to pressure President Donald Trump to replace Hegseth before Democrats take control of Congress in January. Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries also called for Hegseth to resign. Hegseth dismissed the impeachment push as a joke and political targeting, stating he would not be deterred. Dinamina reported that Trump has shown no signs of removing Hegseth and continues to back him.

Thomas Massie gives a formal notice for consideration of an impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Paraguayan judge orders former President Santiago Pena detained over banking scandal

Paraguayan Judge Humberto Otazu has ordered former President Santiago Pena and Central Bank Chief Carlos Carvallo to be held in pretrial detention over a banking scandal linked to digital lender Ueno. Pena was charged with breach of trust and administration for personal gain. Carvallo faces the same charges alongside an allegation of falsifying government documents. Prosecutors allege Pena used political influence to inject over US$ 800 million in public funds into Ueno while shielding it from scrutiny. The bank's collapse locked nearly half the population out of savings, triggering violent protests and Pena's impeachment. Pena, who held a stake in Ueno's parent company until March 2025, denied wrongdoing, calling the bank's collapse a regulatory matter. He is being held at a military facility to ensure he remains in the country.

Paraguayan Senate impeaches President Santiago Peña following massive bank crisis

The Paraguayan Senate has removed President Santiago Peña through impeachment following the collapse of Ueno Digital Bank, which left over three million customers unable to access their salaries and pensions. Peña offered to resign amid public protests, but lawmakers rejected his resignation and voted to impeach him, with members of his own Colorado Party voting against him. Police placed Peña under house arrest and remanded bank owner Carlos Carvallo over allegations of misusing power and depositing hundreds of millions of dollars in government funds. The Senate appointed Vice President Pedro Alliana as acting president to complete Peña's term through August 2028.

US Democrats win Congress midterms, creating potential for new Trump impeachment motion

The Democratic Party has won control of the United States Congress in the midterm elections, potentially enabling a new impeachment motion against President Donald Trump. Opposition leaders had previously told supporters in Oklahoma that an impeachment motion could be introduced against Trump if Democrats gained power. Analysts attributed Republican seat losses to rising living costs, the unpopular war in Iran, disciplined Democratic messaging, anti-Trump disapproval, and shifting Black and Hispanic voters. A voter survey found 63% believed military action against Iran was wrong, while 74% called the war a decisive or major factor in their vote.

Paraguayan Senate votes to remove President Santiago Peña following major bank collapse

Paraguay's Senate voted 44 to 1 on 6 November 2026 to remove President Santiago Peña from office following the collapse of a major bank. Peña announced his resignation and is reportedly under house arrest. The crisis erupted after Ueno bank, with which Peña reportedly held business ties, shut down overnight due to financial instability, leaving millions of customers unable to access their funds. Paraguay's Attorney General has initiated three criminal cases against Peña and several former officials. Following the impeachment vote, Vice President Pedro Alliana was sworn in as the new president.

Paraguay President Santiago Peña resigns amid impeachment trial over bank collapse

Paraguay's President Santiago Peña announced his resignation following a political crisis triggered by the collapse of Ueno Bank, a digital lender linked to him. Lawmakers accused Peña, who held shares until last year in the bank's parent company, of conflicts of interest and misconduct. Peña denied any impropriety. Ueno Bank entered insolvency earlier in the week, freezing accounts for approximately three million customers, including public funds and pensions. The central bank seized the lender, and Congress approved a process to pay depositors. Although Peña resigned, Congress adjourned a session on accepting his resignation to pursue an impeachment trial instead. Peña confirmed he will present his defence before the Senate on Friday.

US Congressman Thomas Massie plans impeachment motion against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie plans to introduce an impeachment resolution against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and hold a House vote next week, according to foreign media reports. The move is planned after senators arrive in Washington for the Senate's power transfer session. Hegseth faces accusations from fellow Republican lawmakers for backing the President in launching the Iran war and continually advocating military deployment in a conflict yielding no results. Massie previously submitted eight impeachment resolutions against Hegseth in September. However, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned the session ahead of the midterm elections, preventing them from being presented.

Democrats win U.S. House and Senate, taking unified control of Congress

Democrats won control of both the U.S. House and Senate in midterm elections concluding Tuesday, dealing a decisive defeat to Republicans and President Donald Trump. Voter turnout reflected frustration over high prices, the Iran war, and government corruption. Democratic gains spanned several states, including Maine, where Democrat Troy Jackson defeated Republican Senator Susan Collins. Democratic leaders announced plans to launch investigations into top administration officials and Trump's family finances, leaving impeachment on the table. Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and House Leader Hakeem Jeffries celebrated the victories. Trump denied that the losses were a personal defeat, blaming candidates voters disliked. He vowed to veto Democratic legislation, while stating he would accept the election results.

SLPP warns proposed terrorism and organized crime bills will suppress public dissent

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam warned that democracy will die if proposed bills on protecting the state from terrorism and organized crimes become law, claiming they aim to suppress public dissent. Speaking at party events on 1 and 2 November 2026, Kariyawasam announced that the party will inform the public about the bills and begin mobilizing opposition against the government's anti-democratic actions this month. He also accused President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of politicizing state institutions, increasing taxes, and misrepresenting economic conditions, adding that an impeachment motion should be pursued if the president is psychologically affected.

US and Brazil show contrasting accountability for political corruption

The US and Brazil offer contrasting lessons in political accountability, according to a Daily FT analysis. The US, as the world's oldest continuing democracy, has historically held leaders accountable, citing the impeachments of Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. However, the Pew Research Centre reports the US has seen a more significant fall in democracy than other high-income democracies, with declining public trust in institutions. Brazil's different judicial and political history provides a separate example, though the report does not detail specific cases. The piece argues that when states allow high-level corruption to go unchecked, it risks normalising authoritarian practices and threatening democracy. Strong institutions are essential for horizontal accountability, tying leaders to the rule of law.