Chile Senate to vote on Pinera impeachment, likely lacks votes to convict

Chile's senators gather to vote on a motion to impeach President Sebastian Pinera over allegations of irregularities in the sale of a mining firm, in Valparaiso, Chile November 16, 2021. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Chile's Senate debated accusations on Tuesday against President Sebastian Pinera, who was impeached by the lower house last week for irregularities in the sale of a mining company, although the Senate opposition appeared not to have the votes to convict him.

Impeachment requires a two-thirds majority, or 29 votes, but the center-left opposition apparently has only 24 legislators in the chamber, putting a conviction in doubt.