Timor-Leste - September 2025

From 15 to 17 September, Dili witnessed significant student-led protests, driven by public outrage over the government’s spending plans. Over 2,000 people participated in the demonstrations, marking the largest organized protest since the country’s independence. While initially sparked by proposed budget allocations to buy luxurious new Toyota Prado cars for the country’s 65 members of parliament, the demonstrations grew to include demands for the abolition of lifetime pensions for retired lawmakers. The 2006 pension law had long been criticized for being excessive and unjust, with politicians promising to revoke it. In response, Parliament voted on 16 September to cancel the new vehicle procurement. Additionally, President José Ramos-Horta promulgated a new law on 29 September, removing the lifetime pensions and benefits for former retired lawmakers. 

Sources: BBC News, Channel News Asia, Tatoli