Moyano Defends Truckers' Health Fund Amidst Multi-Billion Debt, Blames Press for 'Lies'

The leadership of the truck drivers' union, under Hugo Moyano, has publicly addressed the significant debt plaguing the union's health insurance fund. Moyano, speaking with a noticeably frail voice, asserted his administration's efforts to manage the fund amidst Argentina's broader economic challenges. He vehemently rejected recent media reports detailing alleged financial mismanagement and fund depletion, labeling them as baseless fabrications aimed at discrediting union leadership.

These statements come as a direct response to growing discontent among union members and healthcare professionals, who have protested service cutbacks and difficulties in obtaining necessary medications. Moyano's defense also appears to target specific investigative journalism that exposed alleged transfers of union and health fund assets to trusts connected to his wife's companies. The union is reportedly exploring the sale of union-owned properties as a potential measure to address the health fund's deficit and avoid bankruptcy proceedings.

Sources within the union suggest that the fund's board of directors may have been replaced due to alleged mismanagement and in light of the media leaks. Moyano acknowledged the contributions from employers and the union itself in sustaining the health insurance fund, highlighting properties acquired during his tenure. However, he did not explicitly confirm whether these assets would be liquidated to cover the medical provider's financial shortfall. The commercial operations of the health fund are managed by Iarai SA, a company associated with Moyano's wife, Liliana Esther Zulet, and her children from previous relationships. This arrangement involves significant monthly financial aid from employers, channeled through a trust that shares a fiscal address with other family-linked businesses involved with the truck drivers' union.

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When I see some criticisms, I think about the problems we suffer in the Argentine economy and how we continue to administer. All these stupidities that come out in the press should not be given much importance because 99 percent are lies. They are things they invent to harm the leaders.