Timor-Leste Abandons Controversial Plan for Free Cars for Lawmakers Amid Protests

Tue Sep 23 2025 09:11:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In response to widespread protests, the Timor-Leste government has scrapped its plan to provide free cars to lawmakers, a move that has raised issues of inequality amidst rising public discontent.

Timor-Leste's government has rescinded its plan to grant free cars to members of parliament following large-scale protests in the capital, Dili. Demonstrators expressed their anger over perceived legislative excesses, highlighting broader grievances about inequality and government spending. The protests have sparked discussions about lawmakers' pensions and privileges, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with political elites in the region.

Timor-Leste has scrapped a plan to give its lawmakers free cars after thousands of people took to the streets to protest against it.

On Tuesday, demonstrators burned tyres and set a government vehicle alight, with police responding with tear gas. Shortly afterward, the government dropped the controversial plan.

Despite this, protests continued on Wednesday, with around 2,000 demonstrators estimated to have participated in Dili. Originally sparked by the car plan, the protests have expanded to encompass demands for the removal of lifetime pensions for retired legislators.

The unrest in Timor-Leste is part of a regional pattern, with similar protests emerging from countries like Nepal and Indonesia, where frustrated young populations are challenging perceived excesses of their governments.

In Timor-Leste, the movement against free cars for lawmakers is not new; protests have been occurring since the 2000s. Lawmakers earn an annual basic salary of $36,000, over ten times the country’s average income of about $3,000.

Despite the parliament's decision to scrap the purchase of new cars for its 65 members, skepticism remains among demonstrators regarding the sincerity of the legislative change. Many see it as a temporary measure amidst ongoing discontent regarding laws that benefit political elites while citizens lack access to basic services.

The protests underscore a growing frustration among the youth of Timor-Leste, with over 70% of the population under 35 according to UN statistics, demanding accountability and reform in governance.