Overview

• UxP leader Germán Martínez said his bloc will demand Espert’s immediate removal, arguing the 2026 Budget cannot be debated with him presiding.
• U.S. judicial files and Texas accounting experts register a Feb. 1, 2020 transfer of US$200,000 to Espert from a trust tied to Machado and his ex-partner Debora Lynn Mercer-Erwin, who was convicted of trafficking, fraud and money laundering.
• Juan Grabois is preparing a formal complaint that incorporates the Texas documents and alleges illicit campaign financing.
• Removing the committee chair requires Espert’s resignation or a resolution of the Chamber under article 107, and UxP says it will press the issue as the budget review opens.
• Espert acknowledged a 2019 meeting, travel and event support from Machado but denied wrongdoing, while Machado remains under house arrest in Argentina pending extradition to Texas.