DILI, 22 march 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres ‘Lú Olo’, today swore in four new members of the Government, appointed by the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak.
The newly appointed government members who took office today included the Minister of Public Works, Abel Pires da Silva, the Minister of Justice, Tiago Amaral Sarmento, the Deputy Minister of Finance, António Freitas, and the Secretary of State for the Affairs of National Liberation Combatants, Júlio da Conceição ‘Loro Mesak’.
The dismissed government members included the Minister of Public Works, Salvador Eugénio Soares dos Reis Pires, the Minister of Justice, Manuel Cárceres da Costa, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Sara Lobo Brites, and the Secretary of State for of the National Liberation Combatants, Gil da Costa Monteiro ‘Oan Soru’.
The Head of State urged the newly appointed government members to unconditionally serve the people and the country.
“The term of these new members will end next year, but I believe that by 2023, each member who takes office today, will know how to use existing resources with wisdom, creativity, and rigor to help the Government improve the lives of people and the country,” said the President of the Republic.
Lú Olo said cabinet reshuffle is accepted as part of political life in Timor-Leste, as it is based on the need to increase the effectiveness of the government.
Lú Olo also asked the Government and the National Parliament to continue to cooperate effectively to accelerate the national development process.
Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, in his speech, congratulated the newly appointed members, calling on them to help the Government to develop the country in an innovative, entrepreneurial, loyal, and constructive way.
“We are here to serve Timor-Leste and the Timorese people. A big thank you and good luck to all,” he said.
Taur Matan Ruak also took the opportunity to thank all dismissed government members for their dedication and commitment shown in the last three years, which greatly contributed to the collective results achieved by the Government.
“I wish all of them the very best wishes for their success on a personal, family, and professional level,” he concluded.
At the swearing-in ceremony, Abel Pires da Silva, the new Minister of Public Works, pledged that during his term, he will dedicate all his energy to serving the people and the nation.
“I have too many priorities, but the most important thing is the recovery of the calamity and its prevention. So, we will see which projects are considered more important to be implemented during my term” he said.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafy Belo
