Overview
- Patricia Bullrich said senator‑elect Lorena Villaverde has no open cases and cited her criminal‑record certificate as proof she can take office.
- The Río Negro PJ’s impugnation cites alleged pending cases, prior convictions, a past U.S. narcotrafficking case, links to extradited businessman Federico “Fred” Machado, and accusations of threats against journalists and others.
- Bullrich called the filing a political move and argued the Constitution allows a seat to be assumed absent a conviction, noting expulsions require a conviction.
- The Senate’s preparatory session will decide whether to admit Villaverde; if a majority blocks her, she could take the case to court—leaving the seat vacant until a Supreme Court ruling—or resign for her alternate to assume.
- Officials in the ruling coalition expect the challenge to fail but foresee friction in the session, as Bullrich departs the Security Ministry for her Senate seat and Alejandra Monteoliva steps in as minister.