Timor-Leste Parliament Votes to Abolish Lifetime Pensions

On September 25, 2025, the National Parliament of Timor-Leste unanimously approved a draft law to abolish lifetime pensions for members of parliament, former holders of sovereign offices, and related benefits. The bill passed with 61 votes in favor, none against, and zero abstentions during an extraordinary plenary session in Dili.

Details of the Legislation

The approved bill seeks to repeal existing laws that granted lifetime pensions and other privileges to lawmakers and former sovereign office holders. Key provisions include:

• Ending all current and future payments of lifetime pensions.
• Immediate return or cancellation of benefits such as official residences, service vehicles, drivers, escorts, fuel, and logistical support.
• Non-reclamation of pensions already received before the law takes effect, adhering to the principle of good faith and legal certainty.
• Retroactive application from May 20, 2002, the date of Timor-Leste’s independence.

Rationale Behind the Decision

The proposal argues that ending these benefits is necessary to protect public finances and uphold the constitutional principle of equality by eliminating disproportionate privileges. It emphasizes that, with democratic development and stronger state institutions, public officials should be subject to the same pension rules as all other workers.

Next Steps

The draft law now moves to the parliamentary committee for detailed article-by-article discussion. The government is required to issue regulations within 30 days of the law’s publication to ensure full implementation.

For more detailed information, refer to the original article on TATOLI's website.