Fri Sep 26 07:25:09 UTC 2025: **Headline: East Timor Scraps Lavish Perks for Officials After Student-Led Protests**
**Dili, East Timor** – Lawmakers in East Timor have unanimously voted to abolish lifetime pensions for parliamentarians and other high-ranking officials following days of intense protests led by university students. The demonstrations were sparked by public outrage over a plan to spend $4.2 million on new Toyota Prado SUVs for each of the country’s 65 MPs, a cost of $61,500 per vehicle.
The controversial car purchase plan ignited widespread anger in East Timor, one of Southeast Asia’s poorest nations, where over 40% of the population lives in poverty. Thousands of protesters took to the streets, demanding that the parliament cancel the car purchases and ultimately broaden their demands to include an end to lifetime pensions for public officials.
After three days of tense clashes with police, who used tear gas to disperse crowds, MPs agreed to address the students’ concerns if the demonstrations ceased. On Friday, parliament fulfilled its promise, passing a law that scraps lifetime pensions for former MPs, presidents, prime ministers, and cabinet ministers.
“To all university students, your demands have been fulfilled. Please stop the demonstrations,” said MP Olinda Guterres after the vote. The new law will now be sent to President Jose Ramos Horta for his signature before taking effect.
The successful protest underscores the growing frustration in Southeast Asia regarding government spending and economic policy. Similar demonstrations have erupted recently in neighboring Indonesia and the Philippines, highlighting concerns about corruption, rising living costs, and government accountability.
“Our fights are not futile,” declared Fortunata Alves, a 23-year-old university student, reflecting the sentiment of many East Timorese who see the parliament’s decision as a victory for citizen activism.
First Piper 