East Timor Lawmakers Scrap Lifetime Pension Plans Amid Student Protests
In response to widespread student protests, East Timor lawmakers have scrapped plans for lifetime pension allowances. Over 1,000 students demonstrated, urging lawmakers to abandon the policy. Previously, plans to acquire cars were also abolished. East Timor, one of Southeast Asia's poorest countries, relies on dwindling oil and gas reserves.
East Timor lawmakers have reversed their decision to grant themselves lifetime pension allowances, succumbing to pressure from thousands of student protesters. The move follows days of demonstrations by over 1,000 students in the capital, Dili, urging the government to cancel plans for these allowances.
The decision to abolish the pensions was solidified after an understanding between political parties and protesting students. This marks a notable concession in response to growing public anger, which was previously ignited by plans to purchase 65 cars for lawmakers.
Protests led to damage to government property and confrontations with police, who resorted to tear gas. East Timor gained independence in 2002 and remains economically challenged, reliant on depleting oil and gas resources. Similar protests have occurred across neighboring Indonesia against lawmaker perks and police actions.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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