East Timor MPs bow to protesters, vote to scrap lifetime pensions
Summary
Lawmakers in East Timor voted to end a law that gave lifetime pensions to former MPs and some public officials. This decision came after student-led protests against the benefits. The new law needs the president's approval to take effect.Key Facts
- East Timor lawmakers voted to end lifetime pensions for former MPs and public officials.
- The decision followed student-led protests in Dili, the capital city.
- A previous 2006 law allowed former officials to receive pensions equal to their salaries.
- The protests began due to a plan to buy expensive SUVs for MPs, costing $4.2 million in total.
- Over 40% of East Timor's population lives in poverty, according to the World Bank.
- The new law will go to President Jose Ramos Horta for approval.
- Protests in East Timor coincided with similar unrest in Indonesia and the Philippines over economic issues.
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