Argentina University Union Leader Walter Merkis Calls Education an Investment, Criticizes Government Funding Stance

Walter Merkis, secretary‑general of the Argentine Federation of University Workers (FATUN), addressed the inaugural meeting of the ATUNNOBA board in Junín. He sharply criticized the current administration, declaring “Este gobierno de hoy nos ha elegido. Eligió a los universitarios como enemigos,” and warned that labeling public higher education as a “gasto excesivo” is a serious diagnostic error.

Merkis emphasized that spending on education is an investment, stating “Lo que se pone en educación es una inversión para que justamente vuelva todo ese conocimiento, la ciencia y la tecnología que podemos desarrollar.” He praised recent union achievements, highlighted the binding university financing law now pending before the court, and urged the government to comply with it. The speech underscored the union’s demand for free, co‑governed, democratic public universities and the defense of workers’ purchasing power.

The event also featured remarks from local union leader Jorge Mendoza, who thanked members for their solidarity and noted progress in professionalizing non‑teaching staff and expanding virtual training programs.