Overview

• José Luis Espert resigned as La Libertad Avanza’s lead candidate in Buenos Aires after reports showed he received US$200,000 from a company tied to businessman Federico “Fred” Machado, who faces narcotrafficking accusations in the United States.
• President Javier Milei praised the move as a “noble” sacrifice, said he does not doubt Espert’s honorability, and labeled the case a kirchnerismo-driven operation.
• Milei said Diego Santilli will head the Buenos Aires list, though the Federal Electoral Court must formalize any substitution and many ballots have already been printed with Espert’s name and image.
• Coverage details Espert’s shifting explanations, including later acknowledgments of the transfer and frequent flights on Machado’s planes, as polling setbacks and internal pressure mounted on the ruling alliance.
• Milei indicated the Budget Committee chair Espert holds could pass to Bertie Benegas Lynch, while opposition figures demanded investigations and warned against costly ballot reprints.