Overview

• José Luis Espert announced his withdrawal after acknowledging receiving US$200,000 from Federico “Fred” Machado and taking dozens of flights on Machado’s planes following days of shifting explanations.
• President Javier Milei praised the resignation as a “noble gesture,” framed the accusations as a political operation, and said Diego Santilli is the intended head of the Buenos Aires list.
• Chief of Cabinet Guillermo Francos conceded the episode seriously damaged La Libertad Avanza in the province, with reported internal polling showing a sharp drop, and said the party will petition the electoral judge to authorize the substitution.
• Officials said part of the paper ballot run is already printed and reprinting would be complex and could cost up to about US$10 million, with timing a key constraint.
• The affair has spurred legal and parliamentary moves, including a complaint filed by Juan Grabois and opposition plans to strip Espert of committee roles, while Machado remains detained with a U.S. extradition request.