DILI, 06 january 2026 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão has urged all civil servants to embrace a profound change in mindset and demonstrate greater commitment and responsibility in their duties, describing 2026 as “a decisive year for consolidating responsible governance focused on serving the people.”
The appeal was made during his speech at the first flag-raising ceremony of 2026 held at the Government Palace, in Dili.
Gusmão said the start of each year should be a moment for both individual and collective reflection, not only as Christians but also as citizens entrusted with public responsibilities.
“When a year ends, we must ask ourselves what we did well or badly, whether we made mistakes, whether we corrected them, and whether we moved forward after correcting them,” he said. “This is a major responsibility that we must all assume in the new year.”
Gusmão stressed that public service should not be viewed merely as a means of livelihood or a guarantee for financing children’s education.
He expressed concern that many young graduates finish higher education without developing a true sense of dedication to serving the country.
“What we want is to change the mentality of society and train citizens with knowledge and civic awareness, prepared to serve the nation rather than simply look for a job,” he said.
Gusmão acknowledged that administrative reforms implemented so far have not yet produced effective change at all levels of the public administration.
He said persistent practices such as frequent delays, early departures from work, and low productivity remain common, particularly at ministerial and operational levels.
“These behaviors must end,” he warned.
Looking ahead, Gusmão cautioned that 2026 will not be an easy year and emphasized the need to continue fixing failures to restore public trust.
“2026 must be a year of change, a year of attitude, commitment, and concrete practices, so that the people can feel that their educated children in public service are thinking about the country, not just their personal or family interests,” he said.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Maritns
