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Espert Exits Buenos Aires Ticket, LLA Backs Santilli Pending Court Ruling

A judge will decide whether the alliance can switch its slate without costly ballot reprints just weeks before the Oct. 26 vote.

Overview

  • José Luis Espert confirmed he withdrew from the Buenos Aires congressional race after reports linking him to businessman Federico “Fred” Machado, admitting a $200,000 transfer and repeated flights on Machado’s planes.
  • President Javier Milei accepted the move and praised it as a noble gesture while alleging a political operation, as Chief of Cabinet Guillermo Francos said Espert’s unclear explanations fueled suspicion and harmed the campaign.
  • La Libertad Avanza proposed Diego Santilli to lead the provincial list, but the Electoral Justice must approve any change, with part of the ballots already printed and potential reprinting costs estimated at up to $10 million.
  • Facing currency pressure, the Treasury was reported to have sold more than $1 billion in recent days and the central bank expanded dollar-linked hedges, while Economy Minister Luis Caputo travels to the United States to negotiate a reported facility of up to $20 billion.
  • Fresh polling indicates most respondents doubt the U.S. support will translate into real funds and view the scandal negatively, as opposition lawmakers prepare a session to curb decree powers and to remove Espert from the Budget committee.