Overview

• José Luis Espert announced he was stepping aside as La Libertad Avanza’s lead candidate in Buenos Aires for October 26, and President Javier Milei accepted, saying “Argentina is above individuals.”
• Investigative reporting published Bank of America records indicating Espert received US$200,000 from a company linked to Federico “Fred” Machado, who is detained and faces U.S. narcotrafficking accusations.
• Milei continued to defend Espert’s “honorability,” blamed a “kirchnerista” operation, and called the withdrawal a “noble” gesture to keep the campaign focused.
• The president said Diego Santilli will take over the Buenos Aires list, a change expected to proceed through electoral court procedures given preprinted ballots naming Espert.
• The fallout exposed strains with PRO allies, prompted opposition calls for judicial scrutiny and questions about Espert’s legislative roles, and raised logistical and cost concerns over potential ballot changes.