Overview

• José Luis Espert resigned on Sunday from La Libertad Avanza’s Buenos Aires list after roughly 20 days of worsening numbers ahead of the October 26 legislative vote.
• Reports identified a US$200,000 transfer tied to businessman Fred Machado, who is investigated in U.S. narcotrafficking cases and is detained under house arrest in Argentina.
• A Zuban-Córdoba survey found about 70% negative image for Espert, more than 60% saying he should step down, and 68% rejecting his explanation of the payment.
• The same study reported that 76% believe the scandal reflects negatively on the libertarian administration, signaling broader political fallout.
• Zentrix’s September poll showed Espert at 31% positive and 60.2% negative overall, though among Milei voters he held 58.9% positive versus 25.7% negative, underscoring his narrow base of support.