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Neuquén Governor Dismisses Historical Leader for Being a 'Ñoqui'

14/06/2026 21:20 - Politica

Neuquén Rolando Figueroa MPN ñoqui Rodolfo Kaiser

Político mayor con aspecto serio abandonando edificio gubernamental con una caja personal, simbolizando despido por corrupción en contexto institucional argentino

A Historic Decision in Neuquén Politics

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.

Who is Rodolfo Kaiser?

Role: Former president of the IPVU for several years.
Career: First candidate for National Deputy for the MPN in 2015.
Electoral Result: He did not secure the seat, and the party lost representation.
Prior Penalty: In May 2018, the Tribunal of Accounts of Neuquén fined him.
Fine Amount: $11,280,055 pesos for unjustified expenses in 2011.
Legal Issues: He also faces a judicial cause for irregularities in public work contracts.

Austerity Policies Applied

Political Staff Reduction: 87% since December 2023.
Privilege Retirements: Eliminated in the first week of management.
Vehicle Rentals: Canceled; the State now purchases its own vehicles.
Neuquén Habita Plan: 20,000 housing solutions projected.
Event in San Martín de los Andes: 73 deeds delivered.

The Governor's Words

'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.'

Rolando Figueroa, Governor of Neuquén

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.

Context: What is a 'Ñoqui'?

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