VIII. Constitutional Government of East Timor

The VIII Government at the swearing-in on June 22, 2018

The VIII government after the reshuffle on June 24, 2020

The VIII. Constitutional government of East Timor (VIII Constitutional Government) is the eighth government of East Timor since the dismissal of East Timor to independence on 20 May 2002. She has since she was sworn on June 22, 2018 office. In May and June the cabinet was completely rebuilt due to a change in the coalition.

history

Dispute over cabinet formation

AMP campaign in Manatuto (2018)

The VII. Constitutional Government of East Timor was in the national parliament only to a minority of FRETILIN and Partido Democrático (PD) support and therefore neither their government program, or by setting a budget. President Francisco Guterres therefore dissolved the national parliament in January 2018. From the early elections on May 12, 2018, the opposition alliance Aliança da Maioria Parlamentar ( German  alliance of parliamentary majority , AMP) emerged with an absolute majority of parliamentary seats. The AMP includes Congresso Nacional da Reconstrução Timorense (CNRT), Partidu Libertasaun Popular (PLP) and KHUNTO .

Three weeks after the elections, the AMP nominated Taur Matan Ruak, chairman of the PLP and former president, as its candidate for prime ministerial office. On June 22, 2018, Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak and 27 other members of his government were sworn in at the Palácio de Lahane . The KHUNTO's suggestion that the swearing-in ceremony should be carried out on Tatamailau , East Timor's highest mountain, was not implemented . Eleven cabinet members proposed by Taur Matan Ruak were rejected by President Guterres. He justified his decision by stating that the public prosecutor's office was investigating nine candidates for corruption, or that some of them had already been convicted of corruption. Two other candidates are not acceptable for ethical reasons. The Portuguese constitutional lawyer Pedro Bacelar de Vasconcelos called Guterres' reasons for rejecting the candidates "fragile". It would be up to Parliament to judge the candidates. The rejected candidates were:

Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak (left) and President Francisco Guterres at the swearing-in ceremony on June 22, 2018

1. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay (CNRT), Minister for Trade, Industry, Environment and Tourism . He was involved in the corruption affair involving Qatari FIFA member Mohamed bin Hammam .
2. Gastão Sousa (CNRT), Minister for Projects and Strategic Investments. He is currently on trial on suspicion of corruption and misuse of government property.
3. Tomás Cabral (CNRT), Minister of State Administration. He is under suspicion of corruption.
4. Hélder Lopes (CNRT), Minister of Finance . He is under suspicion of corruption.
5. Sérgio Lobo (CNRT), Minister for Health . It is proven that he beat his wife.
6. Virgílio Simith (CNRT), Minister for Affairs of National Liberation Fighters. He is accused of having issued forged documents.
7. Amândio de Sá Benevides (CNRT), Minister for Justice
8. Marcos da Cruz (CNRT), Vice Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries . Ongoing legal process.
9. Jacinto Rigoberto (CNRT), Vice Minister for Trade, Industry , Tourism and the Environment
10. José Manuel Soares Turquel de Jesus (KHUNTO), Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs
11. Antonio Verdial de Sousa (KHUNTO)

Taur Matan Ruak giving his inaugural address in front of the Palácio de Lahane

There were formal problems with Brigadier General Filomeno Paixão , who was designated as Minister of Defense and is considered close to the PLP. A few days earlier, Paixão had been dismissed as Deputy Commander of the East Timorese Defense Forces (F-FDTL), but the formal discharge has not yet been completed administratively, which is why Paixão was absent on June 22nd. The resignation is granted by the president, but only at the request of the government, which was missing at the time.

Guterres commissioned the Comissão Anti-Corrupção (CAC) to subject all nominated candidates to an examination. The members of the PLP government had already been submitted to the CAC for review before Taur Matan Ruak was nominated and disclosed their assets to the Tribunal de Recurso de Timor-Leste . The PLP had explicitly established itself as an anti-corruption party in the last election campaigns. CNRT chief Xanana Gusmão , initially slated to be Minister of State and Minister of the Prime Minister's Council, and Alfredo Pires (CNRT), who was slated to become Minister of Oil and Natural Resources , stayed away from the swearing-in ceremony in protest.

The tourism , planning, defense , home affairs , petroleum, veterans and health departments , which were unmanaged until the ministers were sworn in , were subordinated to the Minister of State and Minister of the Council of Ministers Ágio Pereira (CNRT). The respective deputy ministers and state secretaries supported Pereira and reported at cabinet meetings.

As a compromise, Taur Matan Ruak withdrew Gastão Sousa and Marcos da Cruz as proposals. Sousa's portfolio was now to be taken over by Gusmão and Rogério Araújo Mendonça, coordinator of the CNRT from Aileu and in 2015 National Director for Administration and Finance at the State Secretariat for Employment Policy and Vocational Training (SEPFOPE), has now been proposed as State Secretary for Fisheries . Guterres accepted both proposals and published the appointments of Gusmãos, Mendonças and the now available Paixãos. But on July 9, only Paixão was sworn in. The swearing in of Gusmão, Mendonça and Alfredo Pires, which was planned for the same day, did not take place. Taur Matan Ruak had given the president "political reasons" for this.

Taur Matan Ruak and Xanana Gusmão during the 2018 election campaign

Since there are no proceedings pending against the other nine controversial candidates, but only allegations, the government called Guterres' actions unconstitutional. In addition, she pointed out that already in the 7th government , which was led by FRETILIN von Guterres, ministerial candidates had ongoing corruption proceedings and were nevertheless appointed by the president. In return, on July 9, parliament refused to approve Guterre's application for a business trip to Portugal . The President of the Republic must obtain approval for trips abroad from Parliament. The next day, Gusmão's letter to the President was discovered threatening him with impeachment proceedings if he upheld the government's "systematic and unfounded rejection". However, since a two-thirds majority in parliament would be required for removal from office , this is very unlikely because FRETILIN members would have to vote for it. In September 2019, the governing coalition in parliament again refused Guterres to travel abroad. This time for the General Assembly of the United Nations, the inauguration of the Indonesian President and the enthronement of the new Japanese Emperor.

On July 12, Gusmão, on behalf of the CNRT, submitted the results of the judicial review of seven candidates. According to the Dili District Court , there are no pending lawsuits against Lopes and Cabral, nor are any in preparation. Against Kalbuadi Lay there was an allegation of illegal party funding from 2008. The proceedings were discontinued in January 2017 due to the statute of limitations. In the same case the name of Rigoberto appeared. Simith was sentenced to one year and eight months' imprisonment for negligent homicide in April 2005, suspended for two years after payment of $ 2,500 in damages. According to the CNRT, the case is a traffic accident. The sentence was cleared in October 2015. Benevides was sentenced to two years and four months in prison in June 2012 for forgery of documents. The case is closed and the judgment has since been declared deleted. Lobo was tried in 2008 for assault and property damage, but was acquitted. The proceedings were closed in 2009.

On July 16, 2018, the government suffered a defeat in the national parliament despite an absolute majority. The MPs rejected the government proposal to extend Adérito Antonio Pinto Tilman's term of office as Commissioner of the Comissão Anti-Corrupção (CAC) for a further period of four years. The government program passed the national parliament on July 27th with 36 votes against 25 with four abstentions, with which the government officially received its recognition by the legislature . The day before, Xanana Gusmão announced his resignation from the nomination as minister. The press reported conflicts between PLP on the one hand and CNRT and KHUNTO on the other.

On August 13, President Guterres announced in a letter the appointment of Samuel Marçal as Minister for Projects and Strategic Investments. Previously he was Director General of the Agency for National Development ADN ( tetum Ajensia de Dezenvolvimentu Nasional , in Portuguese Agência de Desenvolvimento Nacional ). Marçal should be sworn in together with Alfredo Pires and Rogério Araújo Mendonça on August 16. But the day before, Taur Matan Ruak asked the President in a letter to postpone the inauguration of the three, "out of solidarity" with the other members of the government who have not yet been appointed (Marçal is incorrectly called "Manuel" in the letter). The swearing in did not take place.

State budgets 2018 and 2019

Cabinet meeting, February 13, 2019

On August 29th, the government had its first success. The 2018 state budget, which has not been able to pass through parliament since 2017 due to the political crisis, was passed by the MEPs with 53 votes in favor and 12 abstentions. In the conflict with the president, the governing coalition shifted its strategy. The East Timorese head of state needs the approval of parliament for official trips abroad, which the majority of the MPs refused. In July for the CPLP summit in Lisbon, in September for the UN General Assembly in New York, in October for a state visit to Indonesia and in November for a visit to Pope Francis in the Vatican . In November there were demonstrations by the Movimento Universitario de Timor Leste (MUTL) against the purchase of a new Toyota Prado as a company car for parliamentarians. A constant topic that repeatedly ignites protests against alleged state waste of money. The MUTL sharply criticized the arrest of 22 demonstrators and the use of tear gas. Protests continued soon after a drunken policeman shot dead three young men in the Culuhun tragedy .

Parliament approved the budget for 2019 on 22 December 2018 by 45 votes to 20. But President Guterres did not accept the budget. Guterres justified his veto with his concern about the financial sustainability of East Timor and the rejection of the use of central bank funds for the ambitious and controversial development project Tasi Mane project . A third of the planned budget of 2.132 billion US dollars will go to infrastructure for Tasi Mane. In addition, Guterres vetoed the change in the Petroleum Act, which so far has limited state participation in companies for the development of mineral resources to 20 percent. The government has increased its stake in the Greater Sunrise gas field to 56 percent and would have to surrender shares accordingly. Whether a simple or two-thirds majority in parliament is required for presidential vetoes is controversial. Constitutional lawyer Pedro Bacelar de Vasconcelos was commissioned by the government to prepare an opinion on the subject. In an interview he stated in advance that, in his opinion, a simple majority would be enough in both cases. A two-thirds majority is only necessary for matters under Article 95 of the Constitution . This applies to tax policy and the financial regulation, but not to ongoing cost approval, as it is dealt with in the general state budget.

Dispute about the allocation of offices

Delegation of the traditional rulers of Oe-Cusse Ambeno to President Francisco Guterres

On July 8, 2019, 34 members of parliament voted, without dissenting, for the amendment to Law 3/2014 on the Oe-Cusse Ambeno Special Administrative Region (RAEOA). This withdrew the President's participation in the appointment of those responsible in the authority. The president of the authority is now appointed by the government by resolution for a maximum of twice five years. Previously, the appointment was made by the President on the proposal of the Prime Minister. There was also a discharge. The FRETILIN MPs left Parliament at the beginning of the discussion, those of the PD right before the vote. With the change in law, Francisco Guterres should be deprived of the opportunity to block the removal of his party friend Marí Alkatiri . A presidential veto could have been overruled with a simple parliamentary majority. Alkatiri's term was due to end on July 25th. On July 12th, Guterres demonstratively received the traditional dignitaries Oe-Cussi Ambenos as “representatives of the Atoni people”, who urged him to prevent the change in the law and to grant Alkatiri another term of office. Ultimately, Alkatiri himself renounced another term and resigned as President of the RAEOA. Guterres signed the law on August 18th.

Lisualdo Gaspar , East Timor's new ambassador to New Zealand

The next dispute arose over the occupation of 16 ambassadorial posts. Only the three new East Timorese ambassadors Olímpio Branco ( Ambassador for Brazil ), Isílio Coelho ( the United States ) and Lisualdo Gaspar ( New Zealand ) could be sworn in on August 13, 2019. For everyone else, President Guterres asked Foreign Minister Babo for more information. The fact that the former Salesian sister Joana Veneranda Amaral, a cousin of Taur Matan Ruak, was to serve as ambassador to the Holy See brought the prime minister to charge of nepotism. On January 28, 2020, nine new ambassadors were finally named. Eight of them were already on the previous list of suggestions, only Joana Veneranda Amaral was replaced by Juvita Gonçalves . José Luís Guterres , planned for Switzerland , became President of the Autoridade da Região Administrativa Especial de Oecusse (ARAEO) in November 2019 . The appointments of Paulo Assis Belo ( Mozambique ) and Armandina Maria Gusmão dos Santos ( Thailand ) as well as a new proposal for an ambassador to Switzerland are still open.

End of the AMP

Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak to appear before the press after meeting the President
(January 20, 2020)

The government also had increasing difficulties in parliament. Proposals for the state budget have been rejected several times. CNRT MPs made more and more Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak jointly responsible for the fact that the majority of CNRT ministers were still out of office after 18 months. The slow progress of the Tasi Mane project also caused a dispute between PLP and CNRT. On January 17, 2020, the government's proposal for the 2020 budget failed again. Only the 13 MPs from PLP and KHUNTO voted for the draft. 15 opposition MPs voted against, the CNRT coalition MPs and the rest of the opposition members abstained. Taur Matan Ruak then declared the end of the AMP. President Guterres waived his right to dissolve parliament and call new elections. Instead, he entrusted Taur Matan Ruak with running the government.

In the weeks that followed, Guterres invited delegations from all parties represented in parliament, religious groups, the police, the military, business people and various non-governmental organizations. It turned out that only the CNRT was seeking new elections, while all the other representatives sought a solution in the existing parliament in order not to keep the country standing still until a new election. The various parties began talks to form a new government coalition. On February 21st, FRETILIN announced that a coalition with the PLP would be possible. With its 31 of 65 MPs, it would have needed support from UDT , FM and PUDD , each of which had a seat in parliament, in order to be able to form a majority. But they were already in discussion with the CNRT. On February 22nd, CNRT, KHUNTO, PD, UDT, FM and PUDD publicly signed a coalition agreement to form a new government in the presence of former President José Ramos-Horta . The alliance had 34 seats and thus a parliamentary majority. On February 24, 2020, Taur Matan Ruak submitted his resignation as Prime Minister to the President, but remained Prime Minister in office.

COVID-19 pandemic in East Timor

From the end of March 2020, the cabinet meetings took place in the CCD during the COVID-19 pandemic in East Timor in order to be able to keep a distance

See also : COVID-19 pandemic in East Timor

With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in East Timor on March 21, 2020, new problems arose for the incumbent government under Taur Matan Ruak. The cabinet moved the president and parliament to declare a state of emergency on March 24, while Xanana Gusmão asked President Guterres to dismiss Taur Matan Ruak as prime minister. The president agreed to the state of emergency on March 25, while the new majority coalition in parliament opposed the release of additional funds to avert the crisis. Thus, MPs from CNRT and KHUNTO voted against measures that government members of their own party had co-decided in the cabinet. The PLP had meanwhile founded a common platform with FRETILIN as a counterweight to the six-party alliance. On March 26, parliament voted unanimously in favor of the state of emergency, which now applies from March 27 to April 26.

Since the beginning of the crisis there had been criticism of the incumbent health minister, Amaral . Several times she got into arguments with journalists at press conferences. After two different statements about the number of suspected cases in East Timor were published on April 2, 2020 in two successive press conferences, Amaral was dismissed by President Guterres the following day at the request of Taur Matan Ruak. The prime minister said he no longer had any confidence in Amaral's work. The second Vice-Minister Bonifácio dos Reis took over the leadership of the ministry .

Vote in Parliament on April 27, 2020

On April 6th, the KHUNTO announced that it would continue to support the VIII government. Due to the crisis situation, after consultation with President Guterres, Taur Matan Ruak withdrew his resignation as Prime Minister on April 8th. On April 23, FRETILIN confirmed its statement that it too wanted to support the existing government until the regular end of the legislative period. They want to ensure stability and not create a parliamentary alliance. The proposal of the six-party alliance to appoint Gusmão as prime minister was not answered by President Guterres. The instability of the new six-party coalition was also evident on April 27 when the state of emergency was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In parliament, PLP, FRETILIN and KHUNTO voted unanimously for the extension. In the PD, party leader Mariano Sabino Lopes voted for the extension, one MP was missing and the other three abstained, as did the representative of the PUDD. CNRT, FM and UDT voted against the extension. CNRT parliamentary group leader Duarte Nunes declared the new alliance to have died again after the vote.

New cabinet members

On April 29, Taur Matan Ruak and Alkatiri announced that FRETILIN would fill five vacancies in the government, including ministerial posts for health, state administration and finance. The PD should be offered a post in order to involve as many parties as possible in the government. On the same day, the KHUNTO finally declared that it would leave the new coalition and continue to support the current government. On April 30, 2020, Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak presented President Guterres with the list of six new members of the government: Odete Maria Belo (FRETILIN), Minister of Health, Faustino Cardoso Gomes (FRETILIN), Minister of State Administration, Fernando Hanjam (FRETILIN), Minister of Finance , Manuel Vong (FRETILIN), Minister for Tourism, Trade and Industry, Júlio Sarmento da Costa Metan Malik (PD), Minister for Veterans and Inácia Teixeira (FRETILIN), Vice-Minister for Tourism, Trade and Industry. It became known from those around the President that Social Affairs Minister Armanda Berta dos Santos (KHUNTO) would be appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Joaquim Gusmão Martins (KHUNTO) would be replaced by his party friend Pedro dos Reis . Vong and Teixeira would not be on the list submitted by the Prime Minister to the President. Neither the official publication of the list by the Prime Minister nor the confirmation of the presidential office have taken place so far.

On May 7th, the PD officially declared its support for the government. When asked whether the PD would remain in its alliance with the CNRT, party leader Sabino Lopes referred to a later decision by the party.

In a letter to the Prime Minister on May 11th, Gusmão stated that the CNRT would resign from government responsibility and that CNRT members in the government would be asked to voluntarily resign. However, you should remain in office for “purely personal reasons” if you so wish. But then they lose all political ties to the party.

On May 13th, Taur Matan Ruak presented his proposal to restructure the government. There should now be two deputy prime ministers, a minister for parliamentary affairs and media (Ministro dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunicação Social) and a minister for spatial planning (Ministro do Plano e Ordenamento do Território) . The second deputy prime minister next to Armanda Berta dos Santos was to be filled by a representative of FRETILIN. Other new offices should be a deputy minister for cultural and community tourism, one for trade and industry and a deputy minister of the interior . The posts of Minister for Legislative and Parliamentary Reform, Minister for Projects and Strategic Investments and Minister of State were deleted. A list of several names for filling the posts was presented to the President as a proposal.

Allegations against the President of the State and Parliament

On April 30th, Gusmão declared that the country's highest court (Tribunal de Recurso de Timor-Leste) wanted to examine whether the President's behavior had been unconstitutional in recent months, such as the delays in the Prime Minister's resignation or the refusal to to dissolve parliament after the budget failure. On May 5, the complaint was brought by 19 MPs from the CNRT. On the same day Gusmão asked President Guterres to mediate between CNRT and FRETILIN so that the political crisis could be resolved. Alkatiri stated that FRETILIN was only willing to hold multilateral talks, and not alone with the CNRT, since the problems could only be solved by everyone together.

On May 12th, the Tribunal de Recurso de Timor-Leste dismissed the case against the President. Neither the text nor the spirit of the application would find support in the constitution. The constitutional requirements for such a lawsuit, especially according to Section 79, are not given. It is required that one fifth of the members of parliament are sufficient to bring the complaint, but that two thirds of the members of parliament must approve it for forwarding to the court. The latter was not fulfilled here. The seven points on which the CNRT MPs had requested clarification of the constitutionality were therefore not even dealt with by Judges Deolindo dos Santos , Maria Natércia Gusmão Pereira and Jacinta Correia da Costa . The CNRT's lawyers announced that they would reformulate the lawsuit and then resubmit it.

Arão Noé da Costa Amaral
(May 14, 2020)

For their part, FRETILIN, PLP and KHUNTO responded with a motion to dismiss the parliamentary presidium. There was "a major concern related to the work of Parliament and the leadership of the current President of Parliament" Arão Noé da Costa Amaral (CNRT). Amaral had preferred the interests of the CNRT and boycotted parliament in its work, for example in the delay of the decision on the extension of the state of emergency. He is trying to urge the president to dissolve parliament and hold new elections. Although Parliament's Rules of Procedure require a dismissal request to be voted on within five days, Amaral refused to set a date. There was not even a preparatory meeting of the faction leaders. Amaral stated that the application for dismissal was currently being examined and pointed out that in the last legislative period a dismissal procedure against the then Speaker of Parliament Aniceto Guterres Lopes was delayed by FRETILIN for more than six months. The application from December 4, 2017 was submitted by CNRT, PLP and KHUNTO. PD party leader Sabino Lopes did not commit to the motion to dismiss the parliamentary presidium. The PD still has to make a decision.

Since Amaral refused, after a two-week delay , Vice-President Maria Angelina Lopes Sarmento (PLP) invited to the parliamentary session on May 18th and a decision on the removal of the Bureau, even if Amaral was not present.

The Portuguese constitutional lawyer Jorge Bacelar Gouveia, who holds a professorship at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa and the Autonomous University of Lisbon , assessed President Guterres' actions as a multiple breach of the constitution. Starting with the refusal to appoint the nine members of the government, then refusing to dismiss the government after the failure of the state budget, until Gusmão was not appointed prime minister. At the request of President Amaral, Gouveia also gave an assessment of the attempt to dismiss him, calling it unconstitutional as well. The constitution does not provide for the removal of the President of Parliament from office by the MPs. The fact that the Vice-President took over the convening of Parliament was also incorrect. Sarmento objected that she had chaired the parliamentary session several times without direct instructions when Amaral was not present. Amaral called the Vice President's attempt an assalto on the constitution.

Tumult in Parliament

The destroyed praesidium behind Vice Maria Angelina Lopes Sarmento

The meetings on May 18th and 19th were chaotic. Members of the CNRT first blocked the two Vice-Presidents Sarmento and Luís Roberto da Silva (KHUNTO) from accessing the seats of the Presidium on Monday, shoving and shouting . They were finally able to settle into their chairs while the President's seat was blocked by CNRT MP José Virgílio Rodrigues Ferreira . Sarmento was still unable to open the meeting because the microphones in the plenary session were not switched on by the staff. After a few hours, the MPs left the plenary for lunch without voting. Sarmento announced that he would like to lodge a complaint against the CNRT MPs.

When Sarmento went to her seat of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament the following day, she was again opposed by CNRT MPs. They overturned the paneled table and chairs over them. There was shouting and shoving until the police cleared the area of ​​the presidium and kept all MPs away. Sarmento took a seat below, where the government representatives normally sit in parliament. Surrounded by security guards, she tried to open the meeting over a portable loudspeaker. CNRT MPs accused the majority of FRETILIN, PLP and KHUNTO of seizing power, while their representatives accused the CNRT of vandalism and abuse of power by Amaral. CNRT members pounded on the tables every time MPs from the other parties tried to speak. Without being able to hear Sarmento's voice, the majority representatives finally raised their green voting cards in order to vote on the agenda for the dismissal of President Amaral. Finally, an improvised ballot box was set up and the majority representatives threw prepared ballots for voting in it. When FRETILIN MP David Ximenes put up a white board for counting, José Virgílio Rodrigues Ferreira tried to remove it and there was almost physical violence, so that police officers intervened again. The counting resulted in 36 votes, corresponding to the number of MPs from FRETILIN, PLP and KHUNTO, for dismissal, with zero votes against and zero abstentions. Aniceto Guterres was elected by FRETILIN as the new President of Parliament with 40 votes. In addition to the votes of the majority grouping, there were four votes from among the five PD MPs. António da Conceição was the only PD representative to take part in the vote. During the vote on the removal of Amaral, all PD MPs had left the chamber. Conceição confirmed disagreement in the party as to the future course. The CNRT MPs yelled again after the election was announced and the police had to intervene a third time.

Amaral continues to regard his removal and the election of the new speaker of parliament as illegal and has therefore turned to the Supreme Court. No correct recordings would have been made during the new election, which is why it is not possible to check whether the election was legally counted. Amaral apologized to the population for the violent images in parliament. CNRT parliamentary group leader Duarte Nunes also regretted the scenes. If there was no solution, the president would have to make a decision. Nunes said that the new parliamentary majority must formally form a coalition in order to be able to form a government. Then the president could set new elections.

Consolidation

The members of the government of the CNRT submit their resignation to Taur Matan Ruak (May 25, 2020)

Taur Matan Ruak speaks in front of parliament on the request for the second extension of the state of emergency due to Corona

On May 21, after Independence Day , Amaral announced that he had vacated his office as President of Parliament and that his company car had been handed over to Guterres Lopes. The complaint in the Supreme Court persisted. The CNRT parliamentary group, together with the representatives of the three small parties PUDD, FM and UDT, also filed a lawsuit against the May 19th vote. Among other things, they complained about Amaral's lack of invitation to the meeting, the process of voting and the presence of security forces in plenary. The other parties, for their part, sued the CNRT MPs for assault and vandalism with the public prosecutor. Until a decision is made, the CNRT group has announced that it will not participate in parliamentary activities.

On May 22nd, the court requested the exact date of the vote. Amaral filed the lawsuit on May 19 in his capacity as President of Parliament. If he was voted out of office at the time the complaint was received by the court, so the judges, the complaint was invalid.

The Vatican offered the parties to mediate in the conflict. Alkatiri, who is a Muslim , was basically open, albeit astonished at the offer, while the Catholic Gusmão rejected it from the outset and saw the only solution in new elections. On May 25, at the direction of their party, CNRT members submitted their resignation to the government. To propose a replacement for FRETILIN members. Only Vice Minister for Finance and Acting Minister Sara Lobo Brites said she would stay in office as her role here is purely technical and operational. Also Teófilo Caldas , State Secretary for Art and Culture, was not present at the appointment with the Prime Minister. On the same day, the President announced the official dismissals of Fidelis Leite Magalhães and Ágio Pereira to enable the new division of ministries. As a CNRT member, Pereira had already announced his resignation and Magalhães should take on a new position in the reorganized government. Aniceto Guterres Lopes chaired a parliamentary session for the first time, which, as announced, was boycotted by the CNRT. The cabinet decided to extend the state of emergency again due to COVID-19 while easing the restrictions. Religious celebrations and sporting events should be possible again. In the absence of the CNRT, PUDD, FM and UDT, Parliament approved the extension, against the votes of the PD, which criticized the economic damage. However, the PD officially declared that it would now support any government that has a majority in parliament and promotes national development.

Meeting of all 43 members of the government in the Salaun Auditória Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão , in the Ministry of Finance

On May 28, the court dismissed Amaral's lawsuit. The processes of dismissal and the election of the successor by the parliamentary majority are of a political nature and are therefore not to be assessed by the court. According to judges Deolindo dos Santos, Duarte Tilman Soares and António José Fonseca de Jesus, there are no legal remedies against parliamentary decisions.

On May 29, eight new members of the government were sworn in by President Guterres. Armanda Berta dos Santos (KHUNTO) became Deputy Prime Minister in addition to her post as Minister of Social Affairs. Fidelis Leite Magalhães (PLP) became Minister of the Presidium of the Council of Ministers. Francisco Jerónimo (FRETILIN) became Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Media, Fernando Hanjam became Minister of Finance, Miguel Pereira de Carvalho (FRETILIN) became Minister of State Administration and Odete Maria Belo (FRETILIN) became Minister of Health. Júlio Sarmento da Costa (PD) was appointed Minister for Veterans and Pedro dos Reis (KHUNTO) as the new Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.

On June 24th, more new members of the government were sworn in, so that the cabinet now has 43 incumbents. 15 people, including 10 of the 20 ministers, belong to FRETILIN, 13 (3 ministers) to KHUNTO and 11 (4 ministers and the prime minister) to the PLP. Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak also took over the office of Minister of the Interior.

Government of June 22, 2018

Overview

Government Palace of East Timor (2018)

Side entrance to the square in front of the government palace

Ministry of Justice

State Secretariat for Youth and Sport

Direcção Geral Transports e communicaçoes

Inspecção General do Estado.jpg

Direcção Nacional dos Impostos Domésticos and Direcção Nacional das Alfandegas, Ministry of Finance

New building for the Ministry of Finance

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of East Timor (2018)

Direção de Minerais (2018)

Direção Nacional dos Transportes Maritimos (2018)

Direção Nacional dos Transportes Maritimos (2018)

Ministry of Tourism (2018)

Ministry of State Administration (2018)

Unless otherwise stated, members of the government were sworn in on June 22, 2018.

Members of the Taur Matan Ruak government, as of June 22, 2018
photo	Surname	Post
	Taur Matan Ruak (PLP)	prime minister
minister
	Hermenegildo Ágio Pereira (CNRT)	Minister of State, Minister of the Council of Ministers MEPCM (dismissed 25 May 2020)
	Fidelis Leite Magalhães (PLP)	Minister for Legislative Reform and Parliamentary Affairs MRLAP (dismissed 25 May 2020)
	Dionísio da Costa Babo Soares (CNRT)	Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation MNEC (resigned May 25, 2020)
	Manuel Cárceres da Costa (PLP)	Minister of Justice MJ
	Dulce de Jesus Soares (CNRT)	Minister for Education, Youth and Sport MEJD (resigned on May 25, 2020)
	Longuinhos dos Santos (PLP)	Minister for Higher Education, Science and Culture MESCC
	Armanda Berta dos Santos (KHUNTO)	Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion MSSI
	Salvador Eugénio Soares dos Reis Pires (PLP)	Minister for Public Works MOP
	José Agustinho da Silva (KHUNTO)	Minister for Transport and Communication MTC
	Joaquim José Gusmão dos Reis Martins (KHUNTO)	Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries MAP (dismissed 25 May 2020)
	Filomeno Paixão (independent)	Minister of Defense MD (sworn in: July 9, 2018)
Vice Minister
	Abílio José Caetano (CNRT)	Vice Minister for State Administration MAE (resigned May 25, 2020)
	Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral (CNRT)	Vice Minister for Primary Health Care MS (Dismissed April 3, 2020)
	Bonifácio Maukoli dos Reis (PLP)	Vice Minister for Strategic Health Development MS
	João Zacarias Freitas Soares (KHUNTO)	Vice Minister for Education, Youth and Sport MEJD
	Signi Verdial (PLP)	Vice Minister for Social Solidarity MSSI
	Nicolau Lino Freitas Belo (KHUNTO)	Vice Minister for Public Works MOP
	Sara Lobo Brites (CNRT)	Vice Minister for Finance MF
State Secretaries
	Julião da Silva (KHUNTO)	State Secretary for Vocational Training and Labor SEFOPE
	Arsénio Pereira da Silva (CNRT)	State Secretary for Cooperatives SECOOP (resigned on May 25, 2020)
	Demetrio do Amaral de Carvalho (PLP)	State Secretary for the Environment SECAMB
	Merício Juvinal dos Reis Akara (PLP)	State Secretary for Social Communication SECOMS
	Mário Ximenes (KHUNTO)	State Secretary for Real Estate and Property SETP
	Nélio Isaac Sarmento (CNRT)	State Secretary for Youth and Sport SEJD (resigned on May 25, 2020)
	Maria José da Fonseca Monteiro de Jesus (PLP)	State Secretary for Equality and Inclusion SEII
	Gil da Costa Monteiro Oan Soru (independent)	Secretary of State for Veterans Affairs SEAACLN
	Alexandrino de Araújo (independent)	State Secretary for Civil Protection SEPC

Executive positions

The two vice health ministers. Bonifácio dos Reis and Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral

Due to the dispute between the government and the president, the following areas were temporarily administered by other members of the government:

• The Treasury Department was headed by Deputy Minister Sara Lobo Brites.
• The Ministry of State Administration was headed by Deputy Minister Abílio José Caetano.
• The Ministry of Health was led by Deputy Minister Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral until her dismissal. Then Bonifácio dos Reis took over.
• The Ministry of the Interior was headed by Defense Minister Filomeno Paixão.
• Ágio Pereira, Minister of the Council of Ministers, headed the Ministries for Economy, for Veterans, for Projects and Strategic Investments, for Tourism, Trade and Industry MTKI and for Petroleum and Minerals.

Later Fidelis Leite Magalhães took over the economic department.

Some former ministers also acted as chief advisors.

Organization Chart of the VIII Government (June 22, 2008 - May 28, 2020)

New members of government from May 29, 2020

Swearing-in of the new members of the government in East Timor (May 29, 2020)

Members of the government sworn in on May 29, 2020
minister
photo	Surname	Post
	Armanda Berta dos Santos (KHUNTO)	Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion MSSI
	Fidelis Leite Magalhães (PLP)	Minister of the Presidium of the MPKM Council of Ministers
	Francisco Jerónimo (FRETILIN)	Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Media MAPCS
	Fernando Hanjam (FRETILIN)	Minister of Finance MF
	Miguel Pereira de Carvalho (FRETILIN)	Minister of State Administration MAE
	Odete Maria Belo (FRETILIN)	Minister of Health MS
	Júlio Sarmento da Costa Metan Malik (PD)	Minister for Veterans MACLN
	Pedro dos Reis (KHUNTO)	Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries MAP

Government since June 24, 2020

The members of the government sworn in on June 24, 2020 by the President

The date will be given for members of the government who were not sworn in on June 22, 2018.

Members of the Taur Matan Ruak government, since June 24, 2020
photo	Surname	Post
	Taur Matan Ruak (PLP)	Prime Minister and (since June 24, 2020) Minister of the Interior MI
	Armanda Berta dos Santos (KHUNTO)	Deputy Prime Minister (since May 29, 2020) and Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion MSSI
	José Maria dos Reis (FRETILIN)	Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Planning and Requests MPO (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
	Fidelis Leite Magalhães (PLP)	Minister of the Presidium of the MPKM Council of Ministers (new office: May 29, 2020)
	Joaquim Amaral (FRETILIN)	Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs MCAE (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
	Francisco Jerónimo (FRETILIN)	Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Media MAPCS (sworn in: May 29, 2020)
	Fernando Hanjam (FRETILIN)	Minister of Finance MF (sworn in: May 29, 2020)
	Adaljíza Magno (FRETILIN)	Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation MNEC (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
	Manuel Cárceres da Costa (PLP)	Minister of Justice MJ
	Miguel Pereira de Carvalho (FRETILIN)	Minister for State Administration MAE (sworn in: May 29, 2020)
	Odete Maria Belo (FRETILIN)	Minister for Health MS (sworn in: May 29, 2020)
	Armindo Maia (FRETILIN)	Minister for Education, Youth and Sport MEJD (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
	Longuinhos dos Santos (PLP)	Minister for Higher Education, Science and Culture MESCC
	Júlio Sarmento da Costa Meta Malik (PD)	Minister for Veterans MACLN (sworn in: May 29, 2020)
	Salvador Eugénio Soares dos Reis Pires (PLP)	Minister for Public Works MOP
	José Agustinho da Silva (KHUNTO)	Minister for Transport and Communication MTC
	José Lucas do Carmo da Silva (FRETILIN)	Minister for Tourism , Trade and Industry MTCI (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
	Pedro dos Reis (KHUNTO)	Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries MAP (sworn in: May 29, 2020)
	Filomeno Paixão (independent)	Minister of Defense MD (sworn in: July 9, 2018)
	Vítor da Conceição Soares (FRETILIN)	Minister for Petroleum and Minerals MPM (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
Vice Minister
	Julião da Silva (KHUNTO)	Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation VMNEC (new office: June 24, 2020)
	Sara Lobo Brites (independent)	Vice Minister for Finance VMF
	José Edmundo Caetano (KHUNTO)	Vice Minister for Justice VMJ (swearing in: June 24, 2020)
	Lino de Jesus Torrezão (FRETILIN)	Vice Minister for State Administration VMAE (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
	Bonifácio Maukoli dos Reis (PLP)	Vice Minister for Strategic Health Development VMS
	António Guterres (KHUNTO)	Vice Minister for Education, Youth and Sport VMEJD (swearing in: June 24, 2020)
	Signi Verdial (PLP)	Vice Minister for Social Solidarity VMSSI
	Nicolau Lino Freitas Belo (KHUNTO)	Vice Minister for Public Works VMOP
	Inácia Teixeira (FRETILIN)	Vice Minister for Local Tourism and Culture VMTCC (swearing in: June 24, 2020)
	Domingos Lopes Antunes (FRETILIN)	Vice Minister for Trade and Industry VMCI (swearing in: June 24, 2020)
	Abílio Xavier de Araújo (KHUNTO)	Vice Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries VMAP (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
	Antonino Armindo (KHUNTO)	Vice Minister for Interior VMI (swearing in: June 24, 2020)
State Secretaries
	Alarico de Rosario (KHUNTO)	State Secretary for Vocational Training and Labor SEFOPE (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
	Elizário Ferreira (FRETILIN)	State Secretary for Cooperatives SECOOP (swearing in: June 24, 2020)
	Demetrio do Amaral de Carvalho (PLP)	State Secretary for the Environment SECAMB
	Merício Juvinal dos Reis Akara (PLP)	State Secretary for Social Communication SECOMS
	Mário Ximenes (KHUNTO)	State Secretary for Real Estate and Property SETP
	Abrão Saldanha (FRETILIN)	State Secretary for Youth and Sport SEJD (swearing in: June 24, 2020)
	Teófilo Caldas (CNRT)	State Secretary for Art and Culture SEAC
	Gil da Costa Monteiro Oan Soru (independent)	Secretary of State for Veterans Affairs SEAACLN
	Elídio de Araújo (KHUNTO)	State Secretary for Fisheries (sworn in: June 24, 2020)
	Joaquim José Gusmão dos Reis Martins (KHUNTO)	State Secretary for Civil Protection SEPC (sworn in in new office: June 24, 2020)
	Maria José da Fonseca Monteiro de Jesus (PLP)	State Secretary for Equality

Web links

• Program of the Eighth Government (English / tetum)
• Economic Recovery Plan (Portuguese)

Remarks

1. ↑ ^{a b} Hanjam was still a PLP member in 2017, but was suspended from the party because of his participation in the VII government.
2. ↑ formerly CNRT

Individual evidence

1. ↑ e-global.pt: Timor-Leste: Taur Matan Ruak nomeado primeiro ministro timorense , June 1, 2018 , accessed on June 5, 2018.
2. ↑ Timor Agora: Taur Matan Ruak indigitado pela coligação AMP como novo PM timorense - fontes partidárias , June 18, 2018 , accessed on June 19, 2018.
3. ↑ Timor Agora: Naimori Sujere VIII Governu Juramentu Iha Ramelau , May 23, 2018 , accessed on June 23, 2018
4. ↑ ^{a b c d} SAPO: Primeiro grupo de membros do VIII Governo timorense tomou posse em Díli , June 22, 2018 , accessed on June 23, 2018.
5. ↑ Jornal Tornado: Xanana Gusmão nicht tomou posse no novo governo timorense , June 23, 2018 , accessed on June 23, 2018.
6. ↑ Oki Raimundos: New East Timor government marred by corruption allegations , Washington Post, June 22, 2018 , accessed June 23, 2018.
7. ↑ Diário de Notícias: Argumentos do Presidente timorense para travar nomes do Governo são "frágeis" - Constitucionalista , July 10, 2018 , accessed on July 9, 2018.
8. ↑ ^{a b c} La Croix International: New Timor-Leste govt beset with problems as Gusmao walks away , July 27, 2018 , accessed on August 3, 2018.
9. ↑ Timor Agora: Primeiro-ministro timorense convicto que diálogo com Presidente vai resolver impasse político , July 9, 2018 , accessed on July 9, 2018.
10. ↑ Sports Integrity Initiative: East Timorese football accused of further corruption , December 5, 2016 , accessed February 24, 2018.
11. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g} UCA news: Turmoil for new Timor-Leste PM as 11 ministerial nominations nixed , June 22, 2018 , accessed on June 24, 2018
12. ↑ GMN-TV: TDD sei hasai mandadu kaptura Gastão Sousa , October 8, 2017.
13. ↑ STL: Governante 11 Seidauk Simu Pose , July 4, 2018 , accessed on July 6, 2018.
14. ↑ ^{a b} SAPO: Mais três membros do Governo timorense nomeados pelo PR mas só um toma posse , July 6, 2018 , accessed on July 6, 2018.
15. ↑ Jornal Tornado: Xanana Gusmão nicht tomou posse no novo governo timorense , June 23, 2018 , accessed on June 23, 2018.
16. ↑ Michael Leach: A first test for Timor-Leste's cohabitants , August 14, 2018 , accessed September 3, 2018.
17. ↑ Timor Agora: Nomeação de novo ministro da Defesa de Timor aguarda fim de processo administrativo , June 25, 2018 , accessed on June 25, 2018.
18. ↑ SAPO: Líder das Forças de Defesa espera novo ministro da Defesa em julho , June 26, 2018 , accessed on June 27, 2018.
19. ↑ ^{a b} Timor Post: The new cabinet list is ready to be presented to President , June 19, 2018  ( page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. , accessed June 24, 2018  
20. ↑ Michael Leach, The Interpreter: In Timor-Leste, the election campaign enters its final week , July 14, 2017 , on Inside Story, accessed July 14, 2017.
21. ↑ ^{a b c} UCA news: Constitutional crisis on the cards in Timor-Leste , July 9, 2018 , accessed on July 9, 2018.
22. ↑ Government of East Timor: Transitional Ministerial Administration , June 25, 2018 , accessed July 4, 2018.
23. ↑ Jornal da República: Despacho Ministerial Conjunto Nº 1 / MSS / SEPFOPE / 2015 de 20 April , 20 April 2015 , accessed on 14 May 2020.
24. ↑ Dekretu Prezidente as Republika N. 21/2018 iha 5 Jullu 2018 , accessed on July 6, 2018th
25. ↑ hallo.tl: Kalbuadi Lay eleitu ba Sekjer CNRT, Prezidente Xanana Gusmão , May 2, 2017 , accessed on August 23, 2018.
26. ↑ East Timor’s Office of the President: DISKURSU HUSI SUA EXELÉNSIA DR. FRANCISCO GUTERRES LÚ OLO PREZIDENTE REPÚBLIKA DEMOKRÁTIKA TIMOR-LESTE IHA TOMADA-DE-POSSE DR. FILOMENO PAIXÃO NIANBAO MINISTRU , July 9, 2018 , accessed on July 9, 2018 , GOVERNO NIAN MINISTRU KISTRU DEFEZA .
27. ↑ LUSA: Xanana Gusmão ameaça PR timorense com destituição por bloqueio a membros do Governo , July 10, 2018 , accessed on July 10, 2018.
28. ↑ Expresso Sapo: Timor. Xanana Gusmão ameaça PR com destituição por bloqueio a membros do Governo , July 10, 2018 , accessed on July 11, 2018.
29. ↑ Asanismo Asanismo: PD FO VOTU AFAVOR! , accessed on September 30, 2019.
30. ↑ Timor Agora: Partido de Xanana Gusmão envia ao Presidente certidões sobre nomes para Governo , July 12, 2018 , accessed on July 12, 2018.
31. ↑ Tatoli: PN Suspende Proposta Governu Hodi Prolonga Mandatu Adérito Tilman , accessed on July 16, 2018.
32. ↑ Timor Agora: Demissão de Xanana Gusmão do governo “abre caminho” a outras demissões , August 1, 2018 , accessed on August 2, 2018.
33. ↑ Tempo Timor: PR nomeia Samuel, maibé posibilidade AMP rejeita , August 14, 2018 , accessed on August 23, 2018.
34. ↑ Ajensia de Dezenvolvimentu Nasional: dg-adn monitoriza projetu portu dili , July 1, 2016 , accessed on August 23, 2018.
35. ↑ Platforma Media: East Timor Prime Minister asks the President to postpone the inauguration of members of the Government , August 16, 2018 , accessed on August 23, 2018.
36. ↑ Timor-Leste Local Daily News: Local Daily News August 17, 2018 , accessed August 23, 2018.
37. ↑ Timor Agora: Veto a viagens do PR timorense ao estrangeiro "ung fica bem" a Timor-Leste - Conferência Episcopal , November 5, 2018 , accessed on November 10, 2018.
38. ↑ ^{a b c d} Michael Leach: In Timor-Leste, at eventful year ends in tension , December 14, 2018 , accessed on December 22, 2018.
39. ↑ João Almeida, Gordon Peake, Bu Wilson: Tragic Dili shooting shows Timor policing still in need of reform , November 20, 20018 , accessed on November 21, 2018.
40. ↑ Damien Kingsbury: Hard times ahead for a politically divided Timor-Leste , accessed December 14, 2018.
41. ↑ Website of the President: PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC VETO STATE BUDGET 2019 , January 23, 2019 , accessed on January 24, 2019.
42. ↑ SAPO: Maioria simples suficiente para ultrapassar veto do PR timorense ao Orçamento , January 29, 2019 , accessed on January 29, 2019.
43. ↑ Timor Agora: Parlamento: Alkatiri sai de Oecusse e trabalha tratado de fronteiras com a Austrália , accessed on July 14, 2019.
44. ^ President of East Timor: REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ATONI PEOPLE OF OE-CUSSE AMBENO CALL FOR REPEAL OF NATIONAL PARLIAMENT DECREE , accessed on July 14, 2019.
45. ↑ Prime Minister of East Timor: PRIMEIRU-MINISTRU TAUR MATAN RUAK SIMU PREZIDENTE INTERINU ZEESM TL ARSÉNIO PAIXÃO BANO , August 1, 2019 , accessed on August 1, 2019.
46. ↑ PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC ENACTS LAW ON THE RAEOA-ZEESM , August 18, 2019 , accessed on September 21, 2019.
47. ↑ President East Timor: HEAD OF GOVERNMENT ASKS THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND COOPERATION TO PROVIDE THE PRESIDENCY WITH FURTHER INFORMATION , August 18, 2019 , accessed on September 21, 2019.
48. ↑ Tempo Timor: "Curse" divides power into the family, transmitted to PM Taur , June 9, 2019 , accessed on January 21, 2020.
49. ↑ Government of East Timor: Konsellu Ministru Aprova Nomeasaun Eis Vise Primeiru-Ministru, José Luís Guterres ba Prezidente Autoridade Foun RAEOA , November 6, 2019 , accessed on November 7, 2019.
50. ↑ SAPO: Oito novos embaixadores timorenses, incluindo em Lisboa, tomam posse este mês , January 17, 2020 , accessed on January 18, 2020.
51. ↑ SAPO: Parlamento rejeita pedido do Governo para cortar no seu orçamento próprio , December 18, 2019 , accessed on December 18, 2019.
52. ↑ Michael Leach: In Timor-Leste, failed budget sparks a political crisis , January 20, 2020, The Interpreter , accessed January 21, 2020.
53. ↑ Tempo Timor: Political Crises: Timor-Leste Parliament rejects 2020 state budget , January 17, 2020 , accessed on January 18, 2020.
54. ↑ Tatoli: PM: Governing Coalition “No Longer Exists” After Budget Rejection , January 20, 2020, The Interpreter , accessed January 21, 2020.
55. ↑ Observador: Fretilin com "otimismo moderado" sobre possibilidade de formar governo em Timor-Leste , February 21, 2020 , accessed on February 22, 2020.
56. ↑ SAPO (LUSA): Xanana Gusmão anuncia nova coligação para formação de Governo em Timor-Leste. , February 22, 2020 , accessed on February 22, 2020.
57. ↑ Tatoli: Partidu Lima Hamutuk ho CNRT Asina Ona Akta Koligasaun Foun , February 22, 2020 , accessed on February 22, 2020.
58. ↑ Tatoli: Prime Minister Taur Resigns, Clearing the Path for New Coalition Government , February 26, 2020 , accessed February 26, 2020.
59. ↑ ^{a b} Lusa: Covid-19: Estado de emergência em Timor-Leste impõe várias restrições , March 27, 2020 , accessed on March 28, 2020.
60. ↑ Tempo Timor: Xanana demands president to dismiss prime minister , March 27, 2020, accessed March 28, 2020.
61. ↑ Lusa: Tensão política em Timor-Leste marca debate com trocas de críticas no parlamento , March 26, 2020 , accessed on March 28, 2020.
62. ↑ Lusa: Covid-19: Presidente timorense exonera ministra interina da Saúde ATUALIZADA , April 3, 2020 , accessed on April 3, 2020.
63. ↑ Asia Pacific Report: 'I lost my trust in her', Timor PM says of health minister sacking , April 8, 2020, accessed April 8, 2020.
64. ↑ Tatoli: KHUNTO Apoia Nafatin VIII Governu Konstitutionál , April 6, 2020 , accessed on April 13, 2020.
65. ↑ Lusa: Última Hora - Covid-19: PM timorense retira pedido de demissão apresentado a 22 de fevereiro , April 8, 2020, accessed on April 8, 2020.
66. ↑ Lusa: Fretilin reitera apoio ao atual Governo timorense para que dates legislatura , April 23, 2020, accessed on April 23, 2020.
67. ↑ Lusa: Última Hora - Covid-19: Parlamento timorense aprova extensão do estado de emergência mais 30 dias , accessed on April 27, 2020.
68. ↑ Lusa: CNRT, de Xanana Gusmão, diz que nova aliança parlamentar em Timor-Leste “já morreu” , April 27, 2020, accessed on April 27, 2020.
69. ↑ Lusa: Fretilin ocupa pastas das Finanças, Administração Estatal e Saúde no Governo timorense , April 29, 2020, accessed on April 29, 2020.
70. ↑ Lusa: PM timorense vai preencher 'vagas' no Governo com elementos da Fretilin - ministros , April 29, 2020 , accessed on April 29, 2020.
71. ↑ Tatoli: KHUNTO Deklara Retira Hosi Koligasaun Foun , April 29, 2020 , accessed on April 29, 2020.
72. ↑ ^{a b c} Sapo: PM timorense anuncia novos nomes para VIII Governo , April 30, 2020 , accessed on April 30, 2020.
73. ↑ Lusa: Primeiro-ministro timorense propõe duas alterações ao atual Governo , May 8, 2020, accessed on May 8, 2020.
74. ↑ ^{a b} Lusa: Partido Democrático timorense declara apoio ao Governo para garantir estabilidade , May 7, 2020, accessed on May 7, 2020.
75. ↑ Lusa: Última Hora - CNRT de Xanana Gusmão comunica ao primeiro-ministro timorense saída do Governo , May 11, 2020.
76. ↑ Lusa: REMODELAÇÃO NO GOVERNO - VERSÃO ATUALIZADA , May 13, 2020 , accessed on May 13, 2020.
77. ↑ Lusa: Deputados timorenses pedem fiscalização da constitucionalidade de ações do Presidente , April 30, 2020, accessed on April 30, 2020.
78. ↑ Lusa: Deputados timorenses apresentam ação contra Presidente por alegadas violações constitucionais , May 5, 2020, accessed on May 5, 2020.
79. ↑ Lusa: Fretilin disponível para diálogo com todas as forças parlamentares timorenses , May 5, 2020, accessed on May 5, 2020.
80. ↑ Lusa: Tribunal de Recurso timorense indefere petição de deputados do CNRT de Xanana Gusmão , accessed on May 12, 2020.
81. ↑ ^{a b} Lusa: Constitucionalista português considera que PR timorense violou normas constitucionais , May 13, 2020 , accessed on May 13, 2020.
82. ↑ Lusa: Deputados de três bancadas pedem destituição de mesa do Parlamento timorense , May 5, 2020, accessed on May 5, 2020.
83. ↑ Lusa: Presidente do Parlamento timorense recusa-se a indicar data de debate de pedido de destituição , May 8, 2020, accessed on May 8, 2020.
84. ↑ Lusa: Plenário do parlamento timorense decorre segunda-feira mesmo sem presidente - vice , May 13, 2020 , accessed on May 13, 2020.
85. ↑ Lusa: Destituição de presidente do parlamento timorense é inconstitucional - constitucionalista , May 18, 2020 , accessed on May 18, 2020.
86. ↑ ^{a b} Lusa: Vice-presidente do parlamento timorense vai apresentar queixa contra deputados , May 18, 2020 , accessed on May 18, 2020.
87. ↑ Lusa: Presidente do parlamento timorense acusa vice-presidente de tentativa de assalto ao poder , May 18, 2020 , accessed on May 18, 2020.
88. ↑ Lusa: Tensão no parlamento timorense com empurrões entre deputados , May 18, 2020 , accessed on May 18, 2020.
89. ↑ Lusa: Segundo dia de tensão no parlamento timorense, com polícia a ocupar a mesa parlamentar , May 19, 2020 , accessed on May 19, 2020.
90. ↑ Lusa: Vice-presidente do parlamento timorense diz que atos de deputados envergonham país , May 19, 2020 , accessed on May 19, 2020.
91. ↑ Lusa: Deputadas fazem Batucadas de protesto a tentar 'calar' vice-presidente do parlamento timorense , May 19, 2020 , accessed on May 19, 2020.
92. ↑ Lusa: Maioria 'destitui' presidente do parlamento timorense em votação irregular , May 19, 2020 , accessed on May 19, 2020.
93. ↑ Lusa: Última Hora - Maioria de deputados elege novo presidente do parlamento timorense em votação irregular (ATUALIZADA) , May 19, 2020 , accessed on May 19, 2020.
94. ↑ Lusa: Partido Democrático timorense dividido sobre situação política - secretário-geral , May 19, 2020 , accessed on May 19, 2020.
95. ↑ Lusa: Presidente do Parlamento timorense considera eleição de substituto ilegal e recorre a tribunal , May 19, 2020 , accessed on May 19, 2020.
96. ↑ Lusa: CNRT lamenta acontecimentos no Parlamento Nacional timorense , May 19, 2020 , accessed on May 19, 2020.
97. ↑ Lusa: Ex-presidente do Parlamento timorense 'entrega' escritório e carros , May 21, 2020 , accessed on May 21, 2020.
98. ↑ Lusa: CNRT pede ao Tribunal de Recurso timorense nulidade de eleição de presidente do parlamento , May 21, 2020 , accessed on May 21, 2020.
99. ↑ Lusa: CNRT nicht participa em atividades do parlamento timorense até haver decisão do tribunal , May 21, 2020 , accessed on May 21, 2020.
100. ↑ Lusa: Tribunal de Recurso timorense pede clarificação antes de deliberar sobre inconstitucionalidade , May 22, 2020 , accessed on May 22, 2020.
101. ↑ ^{a b} Tatoli: Foreign Minister Dionísio Soares Among Five MPs to Resign From Cabinet , May 25, 2020 , accessed May 26, 2020.
102. ↑ Lusa: Ministros do CNRT apresentam demissão do Governo timorense , May 25, 2020 , accessed on May 25, 2020.
103. ↑ Lusa: Presidente timorense promulga nova orgânica do Governo que exonera dois ministros , May 25, 2020 , accessed on May 25, 2020.
104. ↑ Lusa: Parlamento timorense retoma plenários, mas sem bancada do CNRT , May 25, 2020 , accessed on May 25, 2020.
105. ↑ Lusa: Covid-19: Governo timorense vai relaxar algumas medidas do estado de emergência - ministro , May 25, 2020 , accessed on May 25, 2020.
106. ↑ Lusa: Covid-19: Deputado do Partido Democrático timorense contra renovação do estado de emergência , May 27, 2020 , accessed on May 27, 2020.
107. ↑ Lusa: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10158275935763399&set=a.83346958398 , May 27, 2020 , accessed on May 27, 2020.
108. ↑ Lusa: Tribunal de Recurso timorense indefere recurso sobre eleição de presidente do parlamento , May 28, 2020 , accessed on May 28, 2020.
109. ↑ ^{a b c d e f g h i j} Lusa: Presidente timorense dá posse a oito novos membros do Governo , May 29, 2020 , accessed on May 29, 2020.
110. ↑ Lusa: Presidente timorense dá posse a 19 novos membros do Governo , June 24, 2020 , accessed on June 24, 2020.
111. ↑ Lusa: COMPOSIÇÃO DO NOVO GOVERNO TIMORENSE , June 25, 2020 , accessed on June 25, 2020.
112. ^ ^{A b c} Government of East Timor: Structure of the VIII Constitutional Government , accessed July 11, 2018.
113. ↑ Lusa: O Ministro Coordenador dos Assuntos Económicos em exercício, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães, apresentou um projeto de Resolução do Governo, aprovado pelo Conselho de Ministros, relativa à política para a redução do impacto económico negativo e daconómico negativo e daconómico de para a recuperação COVID-19 , March 27, 2020, accessed March 28, 2020.
114. ↑ Prime Minister of East Timor: Estrutura orgânica do VIII Governo Constitucional toma de posse completo-re estruturado 2020 , June 24, 2020 , accessed on June 25, 2020.