Timor-Leste scraps plan to buy MPs free cars after protests

Timor-Leste, a small Southeast Asian nation, has scrapped its plan to provide free cars to members of parliament (MPs) after facing widespread public protests. The proposal, which was aimed at improving the mobility of legislators, was met with strong opposition from the citizens. Demonstrators took to the streets, burning tires and setting a government vehicle on fire, to express their dissatisfaction with the plan. In response, the police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. The government of Timor-Leste has now decided to abandon the proposal, acknowledging the public's concerns and the need to prioritize the allocation of resources. The decision to scrap the plan comes as a victory for the protesters, who have successfully voiced their opposition to what they perceived as an unnecessary and extravagant expenditure of public funds. The incident highlights the importance of government transparency and accountability, as well as the ability of citizens to influence policy decisions in a democratic society.