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2h ago

Espert Steps Down From Budget Committee After ‘Narco Airlines’ Protest and Texas $200,000 Finding

Pressure mounted after Texas forensic accountants tied a US$200,000 transfer from a Machado‑linked trust to José Luis Espert, prompting deputies to file expulsion requests.

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Overview

  • Esteban Paulón confronted Espert at a Budget 2026 hearing wearing a mock Grand Theft Auto–style “Narco Airlines” T‑shirt that referenced the US$200,000 transfer.
  • Following cross‑bench demands, including backing from the ruling bloc and the PRO, Espert relinquished the presidency of the Budget and Finance committee.
  • State of Texas accounting experts identified the transfer as coming from a trust associated with Fred Machado and Debora Lynn Mercer‑Erwin.
  • Twenty‑seven deputies formally sought Espert’s expulsion from the Chamber as the session focused on the funding allegations.
  • Espert has acknowledged flying in 2019 on Machado’s private plane, and Security Minister Patricia Bullrich was cited saying an alliance with a “narco” is unacceptable.