Subject: Ramos-Horta says Gusmao 'lost touch with the people'
ABC News
Ramos-Horta says Gusmao 'lost touch with the people'
Posted 9 hours 49 minutes ago
East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta says his predecessor, current Prime
Minister Xanana Gusmao, fell from popularity because he lost touch with the
people.
Dr Ramos-Horta says there was a perception that the Government was alienated
from its constituents towards the end of Mr Gusmao's five-year term as
president.
Dr Ramos-Horta says Mr Gusmao did not travel enough within the country during
his time in power and that contributed to a downturn in public confidence in his
leadership.
"In 2001, 2002, 1999, Xanana was untouchable, he was an extraordinary
hero," Dr Ramos-Horta said.
"In 2007 when he ran for office with the new party he got 24 per cent of
the vote from the 84 that he got five years earlier."
Dr Ramos-Horta's full interview will air tonight on ABC 1's Enough Rope.
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