Taur Matan Ruak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Taur Matan Ruak
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Official portrait, 2018
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| 8th Prime Minister of East Timor | |
| In office 22 June 2018 – 1 July 2023 |
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| President | Francisco Guterres José Ramos-Horta |
| Deputy | Armanda Berta dos Santos José Maria dos Reis |
| Preceded by | Mari Alkatiri |
| Succeeded by | Xanana Gusmão |
| 5th President of East Timor | |
| In office 20 May 2012 – 20 May 2017 |
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| Prime Minister | Xanana Gusmão Rui Maria de Araújo |
| Preceded by | José Ramos-Horta |
| Succeeded by | Francisco Guterres |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 October 1956 Baguia, Portuguese Timor (now East Timor) |
| Political party | People's Liberation Party |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (before 2017) |
| Spouse |
Isabel da Costa Ferreira
(m. 2001; died 2023) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  East Timor |
| Years of service | 1975–2011 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | Ponta Leste Sector Falintil Timor Leste Defence Force |
| Battles/wars | Indonesian occupation of East Timor |
José Maria de Vasconcelos (born 10 October 1956) is better known as Taur Matan Ruak. His popular name means "Two Sharp Eyes" in the Tetum language. He is a politician from East Timor.
Taur Matan Ruak served as the 8th Prime Minister of East Timor from 2018 to 2023. Before that, he was the 5th President of East Timor from 2012 to 2017. He also led the military of East Timor, called FALINTIL-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), from 2002 to 2011.
Before the F-FDTL, he was the last leader of FALINTIL. This was a group that fought for East Timor's freedom when Indonesia occupied the country from 1975 to 1999. In 2011, he left the military. He then ran for president as an independent candidate in 2012 and won.
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Early Life and Military Career
When Indonesia took over East Timor on 7 December 1975, Taur Matan Ruak joined the FALINTIL army. He fought in many battles against the Indonesian military. These battles took place in different areas like Dili, Aileu, and Laga.
In late 1976, he received his first official role in FALINTIL. From 1976 to 1979, he moved up in the ranks. He became a company commander, leading a group of soldiers.
After a difficult period for the resistance in 1978, Taur Matan Ruak and others continued fighting. He was told to lead guerrilla operations in the eastern part of the country. In March 1979, he was captured by Indonesian forces. However, he managed to escape after 23 days and rejoined his fellow fighters in the mountains.
In March 1981, he became the Assistant Chief-of-Staff of FALINTIL. He was in charge of military operations in the eastern and central areas. He was promoted again in March 1983. He became responsible for planning special operations in the eastern sector.
From 1984 to 1986, he worked as a military advisor in the western sector. After almost 10 years of experience, he became the Deputy Chief-of-Staff. After 1986, he was in charge of all special operations across East Timor.
In November 1992, the Commander-in-Chief, Xanana Gusmão, was captured. Taur Matan Ruak was then promoted to Chief-of-Staff. He became the Commander of FALINTIL after Commander Konis Santana passed away in March 1998.
Later, Xanana Gusmão stepped down from FALINTIL. Taur Matan Ruak was then named the Commander-in-Chief of FALINTIL. When East Timor became independent again on 20 May 2002, he became the Chief of the Armed Forces. He was promoted to major general in 2009.
Taur Matan Ruak was married to Isabel da Costa Ferreira from May 2001 until she passed away on 18 June 2023.
Political Journey
Taur Matan Ruak left his role as commander of the F-FDTL on 1 September 2011. Many people thought he might run for president. He later confirmed he would decide in 2012.
President José Ramos-Horta officially released him from military service on 6 October 2011.
Becoming President
East Timor held a presidential election in March and April 2012. The goal was to choose a president for a five-year term. The election was important for East Timor's young democracy.
Taur Matan Ruak won the election. He beat Francisco Guterres in the second round of voting.
He was sworn in as president on 20 May 2012. This was also the tenth anniversary of East Timor's independence. Both Taur Matan Ruak and José Maria de Vasconcelos are his official names. In 2013, he visited many remote areas of the country to meet with communities.
Resigning as Prime Minister
In February 2020, Taur Matan Ruak said he planned to resign as prime minister. This was because the government could not agree on the budget for that year.
However, he changed his mind in March 2020. He decided to stay in his role to help the country deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Honours
Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry, Portugal (10 May 2012)
Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, Timor-Leste (19 May 2017)
See also
In Spanish: Taur Matan Ruak para niños
