In a publication on Network X (former Twitter), José Luis Smort said he was the target of an attempt for political destabilization
Economist José Luis Smort, ally of the Argentine president And the main bet of the government in the legislative elections scheduled for 15 days, withdrew his candidacy for national deputy for the province of Buenos Aires. The decision was announced on Monday (6), amid a scandal involving his relationship with Federico businessman “Fred” Machado, arrested and sought by the United States courts for accusations linked to drug trafficking.
In a publication on Network X (former Twitter), Smort claimed to be the target of an attempt for political destabilization. “Time will show that all this was a big lie with the intention of staining this electoral process and avoiding discussing what we Argentines should do to change the course of our country,” he wrote. The now former candidate also said that the necessary explanations will be given “in due time.”
Shortly after the announcement, President Javier Milei commented on the case and accepted the removal of the candidacy, minimizing the impacts on the government. “The process of profound change we are undertaking is the only thing that matters. We will not allow a malicious operation to put it at risk,” Milei said in X. The Argentine president also reinforced the speech of his base:
“Even if they try to defame us, we are not the same. Freedom advances or Argentina retreats.” Smart’s withdrawal occurs at a strategic moment for the government, which attempts to consolidate Congress support in the upcoming legislative elections – seen as a crucial test for Javier Milei’s economic and political reform project.
*With information from Estadão Content
