Fernando Lugo

Fernando Lugo was appointed bishop of the Diocese of San Pedro, one of Paraguay's poorest regions. He became known as the 'Bishop of the Poor' for his advocacy for landless peasants and social justice, often clashing with large landowners and the government.

Lugo resigned from his position as bishop of San Pedro and requested laicization from the Catholic Church to run for president. The Vatican initially refused but later granted a suspension of his clerical duties, allowing him to campaign as a layperson.

Lugo won the 2008 presidential election as candidate of the Patriotic Alliance for Change, defeating the Colorado Party candidate. His victory ended 61 years of uninterrupted Colorado Party rule, marking a historic democratic shift.

The Paraguayan Senate voted 39-4 to impeach President Lugo on charges of mishandling a violent land eviction in Curuguaty that left 17 dead. Vice President Federico Franco succeeded him, completing the remainder of Lugo's term. The impeachment was criticized by some as a parliamentary coup.

After his impeachment, Lugo was elected to the Paraguayan Senate in the 2013 general election as a member of the Guas