DILI, 05 May 2026 (TATOLI) — President José Ramos-Horta on Tuesday called for a more professional, merit-based and financially sustainable civil service during an official visit to Timor-Leste’s Public Service Commission, while praising ongoing efforts to modernize public administration.
During the visit to the commission’s headquarters in Caicoli, Dili, Ramos-Horta reviewed progress in administrative reforms and commended the institution for adopting digital systems and merit-based examinations aimed at strengthening transparency, impartiality and integrity in public sector recruitment.
The president said the shift toward digitalization was an important step in building a more efficient and transparent government capable of better serving citizens.
While welcoming the reforms, Ramos-Horta also raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the country’s public service workforce in relation to national gross domestic product and the state budget.
He urged authorities to adopt a prudent and non-partisan approach to managing the civil service, stressing that professionalism and competence should remain the priority in public administration.
Ramos-Horta also called for a review of public institutes to reduce institutional overlap and ensure government roles contribute effectively to national productivity.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, President Ramos-Horta also touched upon broader national interests, including his support for increasing the national minimum wage to $170 and the necessity of digital transformation for future elections.
The President also encouraged public servants to maintain high standards of discipline and ethics, while also advocating for continued international labor opportunities for Timorese workers.
The visit reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to a leaner, more qualified, and highly professionalized public administration.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
