Opposition to Current Political Situation in Timor-Leste

FRETILIN: Opposition Has Initiated to Create an Institutional Crisis

Dili, 2 December, 2017 - On December 2nd 2017, the most voted political party at 2017 elections, Frente Revolucionária do Timor-Leste Independente (FRETILIN), held an extended Central Committee meeting at its headquarters.

The meeting, that had around 300 people participating, including national and municipal structures, FRETILIN members of Parliament, members of Government, representatives of Mass Organisations and affiliated organisations, to analyse the current political situation of Timor-Leste, with special focus on the opposition parties’ attempts to start an institutional crisis to allow them to power-grab and to overthrow the government as a coup to the government elected by the people.

From the first minute in National Parliament IV mandate, the opposition parties have been only focused in rejecting all initiatives, to deny any kind of constructive discussion and ready to only vote against all suggestions or proposals even before they are presented for discussions. It only demonstrates that lack of common sense to distinguish the urgent and unavoidable needs of the country and of the people.

During the meeting, the participants were informed about the continuous attempts of coup, including that the opposition parties’ benches have presented last November a censure motion against the government, and a proposal to remove the President of Parliament was presented on 1st of December.

“They voted against the government program, a pro-people program. They voted against the request to accelerate the procedural protocol for debate of the amending budget proposal. A budget that would cover necessary expenses. They boycott the work and functioning of the National Parliament Commissions. They present motions without strong arguments, without fundamental base. All because they want to perform a coup against the government elected by a majority,” said Dr. Mari Alkatiri, FRETILIN Secretary General, and Prime-Minister of the VII Constitutional Government.

The party structure members discussed the several aspects related to the bad faith from the opposition parties, and declared to be ready to continue to fight for the sovereignty and well-being of the nation, and to resist the attempts of coup and power-grabbing.

FRETILIN Deputy Secretary General, Mr. José Reis, stated that “this opposition is not cooperative, it is not understanding, it is not constructive and doesn’t have common sense. With all of that in mind, we believe we have all conditions created for the President of the Republic to make decision in compliance with Timor-Leste’s Constitution and the current political situation in the country.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media