Timor-Leste Police Deploy Tear Gas Against Protesters Opposing MP Vehicle Purchases
Dili, Timor-leste – Police in Timor-leste fired tear gas Monday at a demonstration in the capital, Dili, sparked by a government plan to purchase new vehicles for members of parliament. The protest, largely comprised of university students, underscores growing public frustration with government spending in one of Southeast Asia’s poorest nations.
More than 1,000 people gathered near the National Parliament to voice opposition to the plan, approved last year, to provide a vehicle to each of the country’s 65 parliamentarians. The controversy highlights Timor-Leste’s struggle with economic inequality and its heavy reliance on dwindling oil revenues, with over 40 percent of the population living below the poverty line according to the World Bank. The incident raises questions about the government’s priorities as it faces challenges in addressing widespread poverty, malnourishment, and unemployment.
The demonstration began peacefully, but escalated after some protesters threw rocks toward parliament, causing damage to several cars. Police responded by deploying tear gas, injuring at least four protesters who required medical attention at a nearby health facility, according to an AFP journalist on the scene.
“We ask for the parliament members to cancel the decision to purchase the (Toyota) Prado for the sake of self-enhancement,” said Leonito Carvalho, a student at the Universidade da Paz in Dili. ”Otherwise, we will remain standing here.”
National police official Justino Menezes stated that authorities will summon protest organizers to address responsibility for the damage. Several political parties that initially approved the 2025 budget including the vehicle purchases have now indicated they will request parliament reconsider the plan.
In a joint statement, the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction, the Democratic Party, and the Enrich the National Unity of the Sons of Timor, acknowledged the purchase “did not reflect public interests.”
Timor-leste, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a 24-year occupation, remains heavily dependent on oil revenue and faces significant hurdles in diversifying its economy.The current unrest underscores the urgent need for enduring development and equitable resource allocation in the young nation.
