Timor-Leste scraps plan to buy MPs free cars after protests
Summary
Timor-Leste canceled a plan to provide free cars to lawmakers after protests erupted in the capital, Dili. Thousands of people demonstrated against the plan, leading the government to drop it, but protests continued as participants expressed broader frustrations about lawmakers' benefits.Key Facts
- Timor-Leste planned to give free cars to lawmakers, but canceled the plan following public protests.
- Demonstrators burned tires and a government car, leading police to use tear gas.
- Around 2,000 people protested in the capital, Dili, against both the car plan and lifetime pensions for lawmakers.
- Lawmakers in Timor-Leste earn an average annual salary of $36,000, significantly higher than the national average income of $3,000.
- The protests highlighted wider issues like inequality and unemployment in the country.
- Parliament voted unanimously to cancel buying new Toyota Prado SUVs for the country's 65 MPs.
- Protesters remain skeptical and continued demonstrating due to rumors that cars may still be delivered.
- Timor-Leste has a very young population, with more than 70% under age 35.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
