DILI, STLNEWS.co – The ninth constitutional government led by Prime Minister (PM) Xanana Gusmao officially submitted its program to the National Parliament (PN) on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
The issue of health medicines and passports became a priority for the Xanana government to seek a solution within 120 working days. Both of these issues have been public highlights since the eighth constitutional government of Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak was in power.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Rural Development, Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes, told reporters after a meeting of members of the government in the Treasury Ministry Building, Aitarak Laran, Dili, on Friday, July 14, 2023.
He explained in the welcome of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao at the ninth constitutional government member appointment event on July 1, 2023, that there was no special message for the Coordinator Minister, but there was a special message to the Ministry of General Employment and the Ministry of State Administration, including a message to resolve the passport and health medicine issues as soon as possible.
“Both of these problems have to have solutions sought because these issues have long been highlighted by the public, but so far there is no solution,” he said.
The ninth constitutional program of government was officially submitted by Deputy Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Social Communications, Aderito Hugo da Costa, to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Maria Fernanda Lay, to be discussed in the national parliament.
Aderito Hugo da Costa explained that the ninth constitutional government appointed on July 1, 2023, has 30 days to submit its programme to the people’s representatives in the National Parliament.
Aderito said the ninth constitutional programme document contains, among other things, the reaffirmation of the democratic rule of law, the continued development of social capital, the construction of infrastructure, economic development, the consolidation of government, the continuation of good and right government policies, as well as programmes to eliminate corruption.
CNRT deputy leader Patrocino Fernandes said the ninth constitutional government has a commitment to realise what people expect.
“After being appointed, the government’s commitment in its performance for 100 working days to solve the main problems that have always been the focus of society, I am confident that the ninth constitutional government is striving to realise what the people’s hopes are.”
He added that within 120 days, the government will make the administrative transition from the old government to the new government, and from there, it will be possible to see the issues that need to be addressed.
The member of the National Parliament of the FRETILIN Party, Helena Martins, called on the Ministry of Health headed by Elia Amaral to quickly find a solution to the health medicine problem that has been in the public spotlight for all these years.
“The government needs to provide good services to the people, especially in the health sector. The resolution of this medical crisis is important because patients who come to the clinic for medication are not free, consultation only has to be expensive,” he said.
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