Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Argentine Lower House Erupts as Lemoine–Pagano Clash and Leaked Menem Chats Expose Ruling Bloc Rift

Questions over alleged ANDIS corruption triggered the confrontation as Guillermo Francos defended his team.

El cruce entre Pagano y Lemoine interrumpió la sesión en el Congreso (X/@lilialemoine).
La diputada nacional por La Libertad Avanza (LLA), Lilia Lemoine
Image

Overview

  • During Guillermo Francos’s report to deputies, Lilia Lemoine stood in front of Marcela Pagano and filmed her, prompting calls for order from Chamber president Martín Menem and a request for a recess.
  • Pagano used her floor time to press Francos on the Spagnuolo audios and alleged kickbacks at ANDIS, questioning the roles of José Luis Vila and Víctor Hugo Armelino and raising concerns about intelligence-linked appointments.
  • Francos rejected the accusations and backed his staff, calling Vila and Armelino capable officials and asserting confidence in their integrity.
  • Journalist Jorge Rial published screenshots of a private chat between Lemoine and Menem that mocked Pagano and referenced Santiago Caputo; Lemoine acknowledged the messages’ authenticity but said they were sent at a different moment in the session.
  • Multiple lawmakers recorded the confrontation for social media, underscoring the deepening split between La Libertad Avanza and the new Coherencia bloc as the ANDIS investigation continues.