DILI, 19 June 2026 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, held an urgent meeting on Friday with members of the Government and representatives of United Nations agencies at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace to discuss the serious threat posed by the El Niño climate phenomenon.
Describing the situation as one of the most severe since 1870, the Head of State warned of the risk of extreme droughts that could drastically affect access to drinking water, agriculture, and the survival of both people and animals across the country.
Given the seriousness of the situation, the President urged the Government to develop a swift and coordinated action plan.
Ramos-Horta called for the creation of an interministerial task force and the allocation of a special budget to support the most vulnerable communities.
He emphasized that while natural phenomena cannot be prevented, it is the State’s fundamental responsibility to act proactively in order to minimize the suffering of the Timorese people.
During his remarks to the press, the Head of State also took the opportunity to clarify his constitutional role regarding the recent increase in customs tariffs.
The President reiterated that the establishment and modification of taxes fall exclusively within the Government’s authority.
He explained that the presidential veto should be exercised in cases of unconstitutionality, rather than on the basis of personal or economic disagreement with government measures, thereby reaffirming his firm respect for the Constitution of the Republic.
Finally, the President highlighted the State of Timor-Leste’s recognition of Helen Todd, who will be awarded a national honor for her longstanding contributions to the country’s development through non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Ramos-Horta also announced a posthumous tribute to her son, Kamal Bamadhaj, a young man who lost his life during the Santa Cruz Massacre.
TATOLI
