14/06/2026 21:20 - Politica
Político mayor con aspecto serio abandonando edificio gubernamental con una caja personal, simbolizando despido por corrupción en contexto institucional argentino
The governor of the province of Neuquén, Rolando Figueroa, confirmed this Saturday the dismissal of Rodolfo Kaiser, a historical leader of the Neuquén People's Movement (MPN) and former president of the Provincial Institute of Housing and Urbanism (IPVU). The announcement took place during a deed delivery ceremony in the city of San Martín de los Andes.
This measure is part of the 'zero tolerance' policy against 'ñoquis' (ghost workers) implemented by the provincial administration since Figueroa assumed office in December 2023.
'What was happening was political with privileges; privilege retirements, which we eliminated in the first week; rentals of pickup trucks, even when not necessary, now we are buying the trucks for the State; 'ñoquis' everywhere; today we ended up firing one who precisely managed Housing for many years.'
The governor also explained that Kaiser intended to retire through the Neuquén Social Security Institute (ISSN), a situation that was halted by the current administration.
The term 'ñoqui' (gnocchi) is used in Argentina to refer to public officials who collect salaries without working or who hold nominal positions without real attendance. The name originates from the Italian tradition of eating gnocchi on the 29th of each month, popularly associated with the practice of collecting a paycheck without working around payday.
The expression became popular in Argentine politics during the last decade when cases of officials with dubious appointments or who did not keep real working hours became public knowledge.
Source: LM Neuquén | Announcement Date: June 14, 2026
Alfredo S. Quiroga
