MPs Bow to Protesters as East Timor lawmakers voted to end lifetime pensions after massive student demonstrations. The protests opposed luxury spending by political leaders while citizens face poverty. Students demanded cancellation of expensive car plans and lifetime perks. Parliament responded with reforms to calm public anger.
East Timor MPs unanimously passed a law ending lifetime pensions for former parliamentarians presidents prime ministers and cabinet ministers. Khunto Party MP Olinda Guterres told students their demands were met and urged them to stop protests.
The decision followed three days of demonstrations in Dili. Protesters demanded lawmakers cancel a 4.2 million dollar plan to buy Toyota Prado SUVs for MPs and end lifetime pensions. The plan had triggered anger in a country where over 40 percent of the population lives in poverty.
Students said the protests reflected deep frustration with political elites spending public money on luxuries while citizens face unemployment poverty and lack of infrastructure. They vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations if reforms are not implemented quickly.
East Timor gained independence in 2002 after centuries of colonial and military rule. The protests ended when lawmakers agreed to scrap the car purchases and lifetime pensions if demonstrations ceased. The law now awaits President Jose Ramos Horta’s signature before taking effect.
