** East Timor Police Clash with Protesters Over Car Purchase Plan

UPDATE: Tensions erupted in Dili as police fired tear gas on Tuesday during a second day of protests against a controversial plan to purchase new official vehicles for lawmakers. Over 2,000 protesters, primarily students from various universities, gathered outside the National Parliament demanding the cancellation of the proposed vehicle procurement for each of the 65 members of parliament.

The demonstration began peacefully but escalated when some protesters began throwing rocks, prompting police to respond with tear gas. Activist Domingos de Andrade, 34, declared, “We want the decision to purchase the car to be cancelled. This decision needs to be taken by the president of the National Parliament.” Protesters carried banners denouncing government corruption, demanding that authorities “stop thieves, stop corruptors,” and even set fire to tires and a government vehicle near the parliament building.

This unrest follows a similar protest on Monday, which led several political parties, including the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction and the Democratic Party, to announce intentions to request the cancellation of the car purchase. The protests highlight widespread discontent in one of Southeast Asia’s poorest nations, where the government is perceived to be prioritizing luxury over pressing social needs.

Despite the growing unrest, as of Tuesday afternoon, the East Timor government has not issued an official statement regarding the protests. The proposed vehicle purchase was included in the 2025 budget that these same parties had previously approved, raising questions about their commitment to public interests.

East Timor, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, continues to face significant challenges including high levels of inequality, malnutrition, and unemployment. The economy remains heavily reliant on oil, with many citizens feeling the impacts of economic disparity.

As protests continue, demonstrators have vowed to maintain their rallies until the proposed car purchases are formally scrapped. This emerging situation is critical, reflecting deep-rooted frustrations among the populace against governmental decisions perceived as self-serving.

Authorities and lawmakers will need to respond swiftly to these demands to restore peace and address the underlying issues fueling public outcry. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it unfolds.