Paraguay’s President Pena Hospitalized After Health Scare at G20 Summit

Paraguay’s President, Santiago Pena, was rushed to a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday after feeling unwell during the G20 summit, according to official reports.

“The President of the Republic, Santiago Pena, received medical care today at the Samaritano Hospital (Botafogo) in Rio de Janeiro due to a health issue,” Paraguayan authorities stated.

A medical bulletin from the hospital revealed that the 46-year-old president experienced a sudden “malaise in the afternoon” and underwent diagnostic tests as a precaution. The hospital assured that President Pena’s condition is now stable.

Reports from witnesses indicated that Pena was transported from the summit venue by ambulance, with some Latin American media suggesting he may have experienced chest pains.

Paraguayan Vice President Pedro Alliana provided an update via X (formerly Twitter), saying, “I spoke with President Pena, who is at Rio de Janeiro’s Samaritano Hospital following a minor illness. He is doing well and awaiting medical test results.”

Although Paraguay is not a G20 member, President Pena was among the leaders invited to the summit by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Before his health scare, Pena had been actively participating in discussions, presenting Paraguay’s economic progress and efforts in poverty reduction to the global audience.

The incident briefly interrupted the summit but reassurances of Pena’s recovery have eased concerns.