Dili, September 17, 2025 (Média Democracia) – JSMP has issued a press release calling on the President of the Republic to urge all state entities to transform national independence into sustainable development at the opening of the third legislative session of the sixth legislature of the National Parliament. Through this, JSMP encourages the President to promote solutions to public demands. The press release was accessed by Média Democracia on Wednesday through JSMP’s official page.
JSMP Executive Director, Ana Paula Marçal, explained that the National Parliament held the opening ceremony of the legislative session of the sixth legislature in an ordinary plenary session, presided over by the President of the National Parliament, the Honorable Deputy Maria Fernanda Lay, with the presence of His Excellency the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, government members, state public entities, and members of the diplomatic corps.
“This plenary began with interventions and political statements from the parliamentary benches of CNRT, PD, FRETILIN, KHUNTO, and PLP, followed by a speech from the President of the National Parliament, and concluded with the State Address delivered by His Excellency the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta,” said JSMP Executive Director Ana Paula Marçal.
She added that in his speech, the President of the Republic highlighted good practices regarding administrative, operational, and financial policies introduced within the Presidency, as well as initiatives such as the kitchen for the people program, social housing, social actions, women’s empowerment program, public health clinics, the “open palace” initiative, and more.
In addition, the President also emphasized the urgency of transforming national independence into sustainable development and promoting equal opportunities and social justice for all citizens of Timor-Leste, honoring the sacrifices of those who dedicated their lives to freedom and full independence.
“JSMP believes that the President of the Republic has the constitutional authority to call on all state entities to bring about change and to transform the vision of the State in the interest of the common good, ensuring the well-being of the people as a whole, not only political elites,” stressed the JSMP Executive Director.
She further noted that in reality, JSMP has observed that public policies from members of parliament, government officials, and even the President of the Republic often lack institutional capacity, social awareness, and responsibility to respond adequately to the socio-economic realities faced by the people.
“In the current case, protests and reactions, even demonstrations led by students serve as public criticism of political leaders who draft laws that benefit only their personal and party interests,” affirmed the JSMP Director.
She pointed out that the extensive list of subsidies and excessive benefits for Members of the National Parliament, which has triggered widespread protest across society, should rightfully be a central theme in the President’s State Address. This would represent a critical stance toward parliamentarians, rather than merely delivering ceremonial rhetoric.
“The President of the Republic must be sensitive, alert, and show empathy towards the public voice, which for many years has cried out against institutional leaders who violate their duty to provide and guarantee a better life for the people,” stated Ana Paula Marçal.
She underlined that when students and civil society take to the streets to protest against subsidies and various privileges granted by the legislature, parliamentarians, who by law and the Constitution represent the people, require real solutions from state leadership, particularly from the President of the Republic, rather than camouflaged messages, diversions, or indifference.
In conclusion, the JSMP press release urged the President of the Republic to exercise his constitutional authority to encourage solutions through coordination among sovereign organs, instead of delivering ceremonial speeches devoid of substance and failing to address the real problems faced by the people.
Report by: Nelfiano
Photo: JSMP Media