Dili, November 23^rd, 2020 – His Excellency the President of the Republic, Dr. Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, installed, on Monday, at the Government Palace, in Dili, the Timorese economist, Dr. Rui Augusto Gomes, as the new Minister of Finance, replacing his predecessor, Dr. Fernando Hanjam, who presented his resignation to the Head of Government, on November 5^th, 2020, due to health reasons.

In the speech after the swearing-in ceremony, His Excellency the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, placed great trust in Dr. Rui Gomes’ experience, a personality who has great merit, suitability, and a lot of experience, who has always shown commitment in the difficult public functions with executive nature that he has performed, being, therefore, considered the right person to lead the destiny of the Ministry of Finance until the end of this legislature.

“I take this opportunity to express my satisfaction and great joy, for being able to count on Dr. Rui Gomes in my Government, wishing him the best of good health and success in the mandate that is now beginning”, said the Chief Executive.

The Head of Government also thanked the Former Minister of Finance, Fernando Hanjam, for the responsibility and loyalty he showed towards the Prime Minister and the State, as Minister of Finance of the 8^th Constitutional Government.

“Due to the services he provided to the 8^th Constitutional Government, and because of the sense of responsibility and loyalty he showed towards the Prime Minister and the State, I want to publicly express my thanks to Dr. Fernando Hanjam, and wish him for a speedy recovery ”, said the Head of Government.

In addition, the Chief Executive also thanked the President of the Republic for his understanding and collaboration with the Government, related to the replacement of the Minister of Finance.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister also thanked the leaders of the Government’s supporting parties, Dr. Mari Alkatiri, from Fretilin, and Mr. José Naimori, from KHUNTO, for their great help in identifying a competent personality to assume the position of Minister of Finance.

Finally, the Head of Government expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Vice Minister of Finance, Sara Lobo Brites, who took over the portfolio temporarily, during the Minister’s absence, hoping that she can continue to work, together with Minister Rui Gomes in this Ministry, for the proper functioning of which she contributes decisively.

Former Minister of Finance, Fernando Hanjam, was installed by the President of the Republic on June 24^th, 2020, but unfortunately, for health reasons, he cannot continue to perform his duties. Therefore, on November 5^th, 2020, he delivered his letter of resignation to the Head of Government.

The new Minister of Finance, Rui Gomes, before assuming this portfolio, was economic adviser to the current President of the Republic, Dr. Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, having also had the trust of the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, to lead the Commission for the Preparation of the Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan. Also, he was Minister of Finance in the 7^th Constitutional Government and Chief of Staff of the Presidency of the Republic, during the term of the President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, current Prime Minister. END/M-PMO