Andrónico Rodríguez was left without an advisor: Gutiérrez-Rubí left the campaign in free fall

The candidacy of socialist Andrónico Rodríguez faces a new setback in the final stretch. His star advisor, Spaniard Antoni Gutiérrez-Rubí, left the country without official notice. The news was partially confirmed by his spokesperson Félix Ajpi, who said he didn't have precise information.

Ajpi also stated that the advisor  "surely must have withdrawn" because he wasn't paid. Gutiérrez's contract was  valued at 300,000 dollars.

Rodríguez, in a recent interview, tried to justify the million-dollar amount. He said that Gutiérrez-Rubí "doesn't charge even half a million", but he couldn't specify the actual figure.

He couldn't explain the origin of the money that will be used to pay him either. He promised that the campaign would be transparent, but he didn't present any documents. The lack of clarity increased the controversy.

Félix Ajpi tried to calm the crisis with a confusing version. He said that Gutiérrez wasn't an advisor, but only "a collaborator." He claimed that the situation is being exaggerated as if it were a crime.

He also revealed that the advisor still hasn't received a single cent. "At some point, he'll be paid," he stated without giving a date.

The senator also compared the case to that of a player who leaves due to lack of payment. He indicated that Alianza Popular only covers the Spaniard's stay, hotel, and meals.

The funds, according to him, come from contributions by the legislative candidates.  He insisted that there is no dark financing in the campaign. He assured that they will provide an accounting after the elections.

Criticism of the million-dollar contract

The opposition didn't remain silent in the face of the scandal. Congressman Renán Cabezas described the million-dollar payment to the foreigner as "suspicious". He questioned the silence regarding Alianza Popular's financial movements.

Additionally, the opposition pointed out that Rodríguez has already been reported for the use of small planes and helicopters. They believe that behind the spending there may be money of dubious origin.

Another person who called for an investigation was Anyelo Céspedes. The legislator reported that there is no transparency in the campaign expenses. He confirmed that in July he requested an audit of the accounts from the Electoral Body.

He suspects that Rodríguez may be engaging in illicit financing. He called for sanctions if any irregularity is proven.

Even from political analysis, criticism has emerged. Andrés Gómez pointed to the origin of the money as a central issue. He wondered whether the funds come from deductions, drug trafficking, or coca growers.

He called on all candidates to make their resources transparent. "Transparency begins at this point", he wrote on social media.

Despite everything, Rodríguez's team doesn't hide the relationship with the advisor. They say that his work has been essential in the campaign strategy. However, his departure in the middle of the electoral contest raises suspicions.

The explanations so far have been evasive and contradictory. Gutiérrez-Rubí's own silence worsens the perception.

Polls show the decline of his support

The political context further complicates Rodríguez's candidacy. Polls show a progressive decline in his voting intention. His campaign has been criticized for communication errors and lack of proposals.

Now, without his main advisor, the sense of disorder is accentuated. The wear and tear is evident in his environment.

Ajpi insisted that "it's not a crime" to have foreign advisors. However, he avoided answering why the payment hasn't been made yet. He said that they will comply with legal procedures.

He reiterated that internal contributions finance the entire structure. Nevertheless, doubts continue to grow.

Meanwhile, Gutiérrez-Rubí hasn't made any public statements. His absence fuels rumors about a possible internal rift. Some believe that he got tired of Rodríguez's improvisations.

Others think that he didn't want to compromise his name in a failed campaign. What is certain is that his departure leaves a void that's difficult to fill.

In such a delicate scenario, mistakes are costly. Rodríguez is left weakened just days before the elections.

Without an advisor and under suspicion of dubious financing, his campaign enters an irreversible crisis. His own bloc is already showing signs of division.