Government of Timor-Leste

On Thursday, January 15^th, 2026, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, swore in Zeferino da Costa Bobo as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Institute (INSS) and, by extension, Chairman of the Social Security Reserve Fund Council, for a three-year term. At the same ceremony, Gemito do C. Amaral de Jesus was also sworn in as a member of the INSS Board of Directors. 

The ceremony took place following the Council of Ministers' decisions on January 7^th, 2026, which dismissed the previous president, and on January 12^th, 2026, which approved the appointment of the new Chairman of the Board of Directors.

In her speech, the Minister stressed the need for the new structure to continue improving the quality of service provided, with a view to increasing public confidence in the social security system. She also emphasised that the performance of these functions should be seen as a public service responsibility, grounded in principles of transparency, integrity, institutional coordination, and respect for the INSS's mission.

On this occasion, the new President of the INSS expressed his commitment to working closely with employees and internal bodies to improve services for beneficiaries in the public and private sectors, as well as for the elderly and people with disabilities. He also signalled his intention to proceed with the transition from a manual to a more efficient digital system.

Afonso Carmona, President of the Court of Appeal; Céu Brites, Vice Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion; José dos Reis Magno, Vice Minister for Institutional Strengthening of Health; Jorge Soares Cristóvão, Secretary of State for Art and Culture; Jorge Paiva Araújo, Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission; representatives of the Attorney General, the National Parliament, the Diplomatic Corps, civil society, and the families of those sworn in also attended the ceremony.