Dili, January 6, 2026 (Democracia Media) – Prime Minister (PM) Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão has called on all state administration officials to correct the mistakes committed in 2025 so they can be improved in 2026, urging them to work responsibly in order to better serve the people and the nation. These remarks were accessed by Democracia Media through the Prime Minister’s official page today.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão delivered this appeal while presiding over the National Flag-Raising Ceremony for the first week of January 2026 at the Government Palace in Dili. He urged all civil servants to fulfil their duties and leave behind the errors of 2025, emphasizing that entering 2026 requires working with greater responsibility.
“The year 2026 will not be easy for us, because we must continue to correct ourselves so that the people can trust that they are governed by those who serve with conscience, thinking about their lives, thinking about this country, for which hundreds of thousands of people sacrificed their lives without asking for anything in return. The year 2026 must be a year of change: change in attitude, commitment in everything we do, so that the people can feel that their children who become educated and hold positions of responsibility truly think about this nation, not only about themselves and their families,” said Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to correct past mistakes, noting that after two weeks of holidays celebrating Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026, the time has come to resume core duties. All civil servants, as well as citizens entrusted with responsibilities, must reflect on what has already been done. This, he said, is a major responsibility for all state officials in 2026.
He further stated that 2026 is a very important year, as discussions about reforming public administration have long been ongoing and must now be realized. The people, he said, will love and respect state administration officials when they demonstrate good service to them in this beloved country.
“I ask all of you, all administrative leaders, to work well, responsibly, and with one shared mindset and one objective: to serve this nation and its people. I ask for your full commitment. If within three months there is no change in our behavior and in our work, then there will be no more National Flag-Raising Ceremonies,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
The Prime Minister also informed that as of the night of 31 December 2025, the closure of the State General Budget (OGE) still requires correction, as some areas executed up to 75 percent while others only reached 50 percent. Therefore, in 2026, continuous improvements are necessary to enhance performance across all sectors.
He further explained that the National Flag-Raising Ceremony was attended by civil servants from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office for Maritime and Land Borders, the Vice Prime Minister’s Office, the Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs, the Ministry of Rural Development and Community Housing, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry Coordinator for Economic Affairs (MCAE), the Office of the Vice Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, the Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), the Secretary of State for Social Communication (SEKOMS), the Civil Service Commission (KFP), the National Centre Chega! (CNC), the State Inspectorate General (IGE), and the National Defence Institute (IDN).
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: GPM Media