Overview
- Argentina’s federal probe into José Luis Espert advanced with court‑authorized searches of his home and congressional offices over alleged US$200,000 he received from accused trafficker Federico “Fred” Machado, whose U.S. extradition was approved by the Supreme Court.
- La Libertad Avanza appealed Judge Alejo Ramos Padilla’s ruling to the National Electoral Chamber to replace Espert with Diego Santilli, but electoral officials face tight logistics with Boleta Única already printed and most rival lists opposing changes.
- The scandal has disrupted the ruling coalition’s campaign and spilled into provinces such as Río Negro, where local races have intensified and LLA’s Lorena Villaverde publicized drug tests as rivals trade accusations.
- In Peru, Congress voted to summon Prime Minister Eduardo Arana and the full cabinet after the armed attack on Agua Marina, while Fuerza Popular said it will interpelate Interior Minister Carlos Malaver.
- Momentum for a presidential vacancia has grown as multiple blocs signal more than 100 potential votes, and President Dina Boluarte scheduled a televised address, with police reporting 27 shell casings and several injuries from the Chorrillos shooting.