Dili, January 15 (AseanAll) — The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, met with the Timorese Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, on January 15, 2026 at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace to discuss several critical legislative updates and the general state of the nation.
During the meeting, the Head of Government informed the President about the recent approval by the Council of Ministers of a new Decree-Law regulating public service contracts, aimed at strengthening productivity, efficiency, and accountability in the public sector. The Prime Minister also addressed proposed amendments to the Political Party Law, emphasizing the importance of internal democracy within party organizations to avoid overly centralized and non-transparent structures.
Referring to the need for a more effective and responsible public administration, the Prime Minister highlighted that “the public service must operate according to clear and appropriate rules.”
On the international front, the Prime Minister confirmed the official visit of the Australian Prime Minister, scheduled for January 28, during which issues related to diplomatic properties and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries will be discussed.
Regarding social policies, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the slow execution of the School Meal program in several municipalities. He further informed the President of his upcoming visits to the municipalities of Aileu and Ainaro to verify on the ground the correct application of funds allocated to schools. “I receive information that the funds are available, but they are not being executed. This cannot happen. The children must be fed,” he stated.
Finally, Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed serious concerns regarding the integrity and functioning of the national judicial system, citing a specific property dispute involving a deceased veteran, which evidenced significant failures in investigative processes. The Head of Government also criticized the excessive reliance on outdated legislation inherited from the colonial period and called for the urgent modernization of the legal and institutional framework.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the Prime Minister remarked that “our justice system is in dire need of reform,” reaffirming the Government’s commitment to promoting a fairer, more modern, and accessible judicial system for all Timorese citizens.
