The East Timor Parliament on Wednesday said it would rescind legislation granting former members of parliament lifetime pensions, according to local media. The announcement followed several days of student‑led demonstrations in the capital city of Dili.

Under a law that went into effect in 2007, former members of parliament are entitled to lifetime pensions equivalent to their parliamentary salary. While the government reportedly plans to reverse the policy, the country has not yet officially appealed the law. Constitutionally, the path to repeal is clear, but the process follows formalistic procedures. Under East Timor’s Constitution, a change to pensions requires statutory approval from parliament and signatory approval by the president. Under Article 73, this change is not officially recognized until it is published in the nation’s Gazette.

Wednesday’s reversal follows a related government action. On Tuesday, the nation officially cancelled a vehicle procurement program that was previously approved as part of its 2025 budget. The program, which initially sparked the ongoing demonstrations, would have spent roughly $4.2 million to purchase SUVs for each of the country’s 65 members of parliament. Tuesday’s budgetary resolution cites Article 92 of the constitution, which defines the responsibilities and expectations of parliament.

These developments reflect an uncommon political result as parliament voluntarily rescinds its own privileges under public pressure, which supporters may point to as evidence of the strength of public advocacy in upholding the rule of law. The legislative reversals occur as East Timor continues to refine its democratic institutions two decades after gaining its independence, with this episode potentially setting a precedent for citizen oversight of government actions.