Overview

• U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly defended the $20 billion support for Argentina, presenting it as market stabilization and a check on Chinese influence.
• Argentina’s Central Bank reportedly sold more than $1.5 billion in reserves from late September to early October to support the peso, underscoring acute liquidity strain.
• The National Electoral Chamber authorized Diego Santilli to lead La Libertad Avanza’s Buenos Aires list, with the government seeking approval to reprint ballots as Javier Milei pressed his campaign and planned a Washington visit to meet President Donald Trump.
• A Pergamino school science‑fair experiment exploded and injured 17 people, including a 10‑year‑old girl airlifted in critical condition to Hospital Garrahan, as prosecutor Fernando Pertierra ordered forensic exams and witness statements.
• In Lima’s Pamplona Alta, a large fire destroyed more than 100 homes, President José Jerí visited the area, and authorities rolled out shelters and a S/500 per month emergency rental bonus, while residents voiced anger at the government.