Juan Carlos Hidalgo, the presidential candidate for the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC), addressed the decision of legislator María Marta Carballo to support Laura Fernández from the Pueblo Soberano party (PPSO) during the “Apolítico” debate hosted by No Pasa Nada.
Hidalgo told La Nación that, “for me, as a presidential candidate, what is appropriate is expulsion from the party.” He made this statement after leaving the debate in response to Carballo’s public endorsement of Fernández.
During the debate, Carballo released a video on her social media. She explained that despite her work in the Legislative Assembly, Hidalgo and his campaign team excluded her from both national and provincial political projects. According to Carballo, this exclusion stemmed from differences over her vote against lifting President Rodrigo Chaves’ immunity.
“I respected that decision and for that reason I stayed away from this campaign, without attacking anyone or taking away from anyone, but there are decisions one cannot avoid and must take with courage,” said Carballo.
Carballo stated she chose to support Laura Fernández because she believes Fernández can offer comprehensive solutions to reduce waiting lists in healthcare, attract and retain specialists, and promote partnerships with universities and the private sector to improve service times. These are issues Carballo says she has worked on in recent months.
Responding further, Hidalgo noted he was unaware of Carballo’s decision because he was participating in the debate at the time but added that it “does not surprise him at all.”
“These deputies have shown complete loyalty toward President Rodrigo Chaves,” Hidalgo said.
He indicated it is up to PUSC’s internal bodies to decide how to proceed regarding disciplinary measures. When asked if he would request any specific sanction as a candidate, Hidalgo responded: “I expelled them months ago from my campaign when it became clear their loyalties were elsewhere.”
He added that next steps involve submitting a complaint to the independent Disciplinary Tribunal so those authorities can determine what actions should be taken.
