Federico Franco: Outgoing President

Franco Dept: Vice-President Federico Franco was promptly sworn in as president while Lugo's supporters massed in the streets, at times battling riot police. The outgoing president, who was elected on a pledge of helping the poor, averted the potential for a bigger conflict by appearing on television and saying he would comply with the Senate's vote, according to CBC. Franco, who had split ways with Lugo in recent years, triumphantly donned the presidential sash and declared: "At this time, God and destiny wanted me to assume the presidency." Paraguay's Senate removed President Fernando Lugo from office in a rapid impeachment trial on Friday, and the leftist former priest said he was stepping aside even though he considered his ouster a blow to democracy. "I say goodbye as president," a composed Lugo said shortly after the Senate vote. He said Paraguay's democracy "has been deeply wounded." (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.