Overview

• José Luis Espert announced on X that he stepped down as La Libertad Avanza’s lead candidate in Buenos Aires and stated he will prove his innocence in court without immunity.
• President Javier Milei initially defended Espert but accepted the resignation after growing pressure inside the Casa Rosada and his coalition.
• Espert acknowledged receiving a $200,000 transfer he described as a consultancy fee from a Guatemala mining firm connected to Fred Machado.
• Reports cite inquiries from U.S. authorities in Texas and testimonies from former Espert collaborators scrutinizing the transfers.
• Peronist leaders are working to keep the case in the spotlight before the October 26 vote, as campaigns and officials assess ballot reprinting and potential shifts in voter support, including gains sought by the PRO with Diego Santilli.