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Timor-Leste axes plan to buy SUVs for MPs
- Timor-Leste's parliament unanimously scrapped on Tuesday a $4.2 million plan to buy Toyota Prado SUVs for its 65 members amid large protests in Dili.
- The decision followed widespread public anger over the approved vehicle budget despite over 40% of the population living in poverty and high inequality.
- Thousands of students and demonstrators protested for several days, burning tires, setting a government vehicle on fire, and demanding cancellation of pension allowances for lawmakers.
- Protester Trinito Gaio voiced worries that new vehicles might already be en route, while President Jose Ramos-Horta emphasized that any violent actions during the protests would not be tolerated.
- The parliamentary decision to cancel the SUV purchase demonstrates the impact of sustained public dissent in a country with widespread poverty, emphasizing demands for political change despite earlier budget approval.
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32 Articles
32 Articles
der Standard ATReposted by 
der Standard DE
der Standard DEAfter three days of rallies, the parliamentary parties are calling for plans for new Toyotas and lifelong pensions
·Vienna, Austria
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The East Timor Parliament has reacted to the anger of the public and has cancelled a cost-effective vehicle purchase plan for Members, ever committed to eliminating the pensions of life from which they benefit...
·Romania
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The Timor-Leste government has scrapped plans to distribute free cars to members of parliament after violent protests.
East Timor lawmakers agree to scrap lawmaker pension allowances that sparked student protests
DILI (Reuters) -East Timor's lawmakers have agreed to scrap plans to provide lifetime pension allowances for themselves, they said on Wednesday, bowing to pressure from thousands of students who have staged demonstrations against the plans since Monday.
·Colorado Springs, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources32
Leaning Left6Leaning Right3Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Center
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center
L 35%
C 47%
R 18%
Factuality
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