Argentina’s judiciary is investigating Javier Milei’s party for allegedly selling candidacies

Argentina’s electoral judiciary ordered this Tuesday launch an investigation against the political party La Libertad Avanza (LLA), headed by ultra-liberal economist, MP and presidential candidate Javier Milei, for the possible sale of candidacies for this year’s general elections.

Federal election prosecutor Ramiro González requested testimony from Miley’s former campaign aides and businessman and anti-insecurity leader Juan Carlos Blumberg, after publicly accusing the libertarian group of ask for money in exchange for joining their lists.

Blumberg briefly joined the ultra-liberal force, offering bills related to the issue of insecurity, but eventually left the political arena, accusing them of turning politics into a “business” because they asked for up to $50,000 to run.

Milei defended herself against the accusations on social networks and assured that in LLA every member must be financed with their own money. “The one who comes to put it stays in this space (everyone sits here with their own). Anyone who wants to come here to see if they steal some charge gets kicked out. Report all you want,” he defended himself on his Twitter.

As a result of this situation, a former ally of the economist, media lawyer Carlos Maslatón, said Milei was selling “positions through political franchisees”.

“Miley, the Barrani funds (in black) are not investigating you to finance your campaign. They resent you, even your own people, that instead of real militants on the lists, you sold expenses through a political franchisee with payment for you“, he wrote.

It is the first time that Argentine courts have opened an investigation into allegations of the alleged sale of candidacies. For now, the judiciary will investigate the inner workings of the party to determine whether or not there is criminality.

Upon learning of the court decision, Milei was convinced. “Excellent. All those who spoke about baseless crimes will now have to turn to the judiciary to support them. Let’s see if they will take over,” he wrote on his social media.

Almost a month before the presidential primary, which will be held on August 13, most polls place the libertarian candidate in third place, with voter intention varying between 15% and 20%.