Timor-Leste Scraps Lifetime Pensions After Mass Protests

Timor-Leste's parliament unanimously voted to abolish lifetime pensions for former MPs and high-ranking public officials, including presidents and prime ministers, following widespread student-led protests against government perks in one of Southeast Asia's poorest nations. The demonstrations were sparked by outrage over a $4.2 million budget allocation to purchase luxury SUVs for lawmakers, which many citizens saw as an inappropriate use of funds given that over 40% of the population lives in poverty. Protesters demanded the cancellation of the car purchase plan and the scrapping of lifetime pensions, leading to tense confrontations with police involving tear gas. After several days of protests, lawmakers agreed to the protesters' demands, with MPs urging students to end demonstrations, while students expressed that their efforts were worthwhile. The new law will be sent to President Jose Ramos Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, for signing before it takes effect. The decision is seen as a redirection of funds towards more productive sectors such as agriculture, health, and education.