DILI (TOP) - President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta has promulgated a bill that revokes the lifetime pension and other benefits for former members of parliament and former members of government.
“Today, I speak to you with a heavy heart. As Head of State, I bear the difficult responsibility of promulgating (or not) National Parliament Decree No. 21/2025, which revokes the lifetime pension and other benefits granted to former Members of Parliament, former Members of Government, and former holders of sovereign offices. A decision with retroactive effect from 20 May 2002,” President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta declared this issue through a press conference after promulgating the law at the Presidential Palace Aitarak-Laran, Dili on Monday, September 29, 2025.
This is, without a doubt, one of the most significant moments in our young democracy. Not only because of its educational and corrective dimension—corrective because it amends previous laws that violated the principle of equity—but also because of the human and social consequences that this decision will bring to the lives of some Timorese families.
This Law was approved by the National Parliament with absolute unanimity — a most extraordinary fact in our 23 years of restored independence.
“I recall that not even the Constitution of the Republic, adopted in 2002, nor the Strategic Development Plan (2011–2030), nor even the Maritime Boundary Treaty with Australia (2018) received such full consensus.”
This Law therefore reflects, in an unequivocal way, the will of all representatives of the people and of the IX Constitutional Government.
It also embodies the sentiments of a large part of our society, including political leaders who, during the 2023 electoral campaigns, publicly pledged to abolish the lifetime pension law.
In promulgating this Law, I do so after deep reflection.
“I am aware that it will affect the lives of leaders and militants of the long struggle for independence. This Law does not strip them of their rights as veterans, nor of the rights enshrined to a fair and dignified retirement.”
He recommend that the Government, in implementing the Law, consider a rational and just transition, ensuring dignified solutions.
“I have spoken with the Prime Minister on two occasions regarding this matter, and I am reassured that the Government is actively considering fair and dignified solutions. I have also spoken with the President of the Court of Appeal, the Prosecutor General, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Chief of the Defence Force (F-FDTL), the former Chief of Defence and my Senior Adviser General Lere, university students, and members of the resistance.”
The path of democracy is made of difficult choices. The greatness of a nation is measured not only by the courage to reform, but also by the humanity with which it treats its citizens, including those who have served the State.
“Today, by promulgating this Law, I reaffirm my confidence in the political maturity of our people and in our collective capacity to face the challenges that arise at every stage. May solidarity and human dignity continue to guide our common destiny.”
