Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

December 10^th, 2025

Press Release

 Day off on December 24^th (afternoon) and 26^th, 2025, and January 2^nd, 2026

Given that December 25^th is Christmas Day and January 1st is New Year’s Day, respectively;

Given that these dates are explicitly enshrined in Article 2(1)(a) and (m) of Law No. 10/2005 of August 10^th, amended by Laws No. 3/2016 of May 25^th and No. 10/2023 of April 5^th, as fixed national holidays;

Given that Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are traditionally celebrated with family;

Given that it is traditional for many people to travel away from their places of residence during the Christmas and New Year period to attend family gatherings;

Given the tradition that has been observed over the years, granting days off during this period in public services;

Given that it is the responsibility of the Prime Minister to grant days off to “employees and agents of ministries or departments dependent on them, as well as institutes and bodies integrated into the indirect administration of the State”;

Thus,

Pursuant to the provisions of Article 7(6)(d) of Law No. 10/2005 of August 10^th, as amended by Laws No. 3/2016 of May 25^th and No. 10/2023 of April 5^th, the Prime Minister hereby determine the following:

1. Day off is granted:

i. On December 24^th, 2025, from 12 noon onwards;

ii. On December 26^th, 2025, all day;

iii. On January 2^nd, 2026, all day.

This order applies to all civil servants, agents, and workers engaged in activities within the direct administration of the State, whether centralised or decentralised, or in bodies of indirect administration.

Human resources in public services that, due to the nature of their activities, must remain operational during that period are exempt from the previous paragraph.

Without prejudice to maintaining the continuity and quality of the public service to be provided, the senior managers of the services referred to in the previous paragraph shall promote the equivalent exemption from the duty of attendance for their respective human resources, on a date to be established in due course. END

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 10th 2025

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and reviewed the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Housing Market Development, presented by the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa. The document, which began drafting in September 2025, establishes the foundations for a coordinated and sustainable national housing policy.

The Roadmap outlines a comprehensive vision for the housing sector, organised around four main pillars: guaranteeing land and housing rights, expanding access to decent and resilient housing solutions, developing financing systems for families, and establishing the institutional and data framework needed to sustain long-term policies. The approach follows a cycle of action and learning—do, evaluate, and expand—allowing solutions to be tested in the field, incorporated into public policy, and effective models to be consolidated.

Among the central pillars outlined, the following stand out: strengthening the land administration system, conducting detailed analysis of housing market needs, promoting resilient construction practices, and diversifying supply solutions, including private sector-led projects, self-build initiatives, and community and vertical housing promoted by the Government. The Roadmap also outlines the gradual development of financial instruments to help families access suitable solutions, in line with the guidelines and models set by the Central Bank of Timor-Leste.

Through this initiative, the Government aims to address the increasing demand for housing and the need to provide decent and adequate accommodation for citizens, as outlined in the Constitution and the Program of the 9th Constitutional Government. It promotes an integrated approach involving public institutions, the private sector, and development partners to improve the living conditions of Timorese families.

****

The Council of Ministers approved the Government’s draft resolution, which extends until June 30^th, 2026, the period of suspension of martial arts teaching, learning, and practice, including the temporary closure of all venues and facilities used for these activities.

The decision follows the Government Resolution No. 45/2023 of November 10^th, which has already been successively extended by Resolutions No. 17/2024 of April 24^th, No. 60/2024 of November 7^th, and No. 22/2025 of April 7^th. The assumptions that justified the suspension in force remain unchanged, namely the need to consolidate the social peace achieved since November 2023 and to ensure that the practice of martial arts occurs solely in the sporting sphere, contributing to the civic and humanistic education of young people.

The 9th Constitutional Government recently finalised the legislative process to submit to the National Parliament a law proposal establishing the new legal framework for the practice of martial arts. Until its approval and entry into force, it remains necessary to continue the suspension and temporary closure of venues intended for the teaching, learning, and practice of martial arts.

*****

The Council of Ministers has decided to authorise the Minister of Finance to sign the loan agreement, with a grant component, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for funding the “National Road Improvement Project”.

This project aims to modernise approximately 42 kilometres of essential roads in the national road network, introducing small-scale climate adaptation infrastructure in six villages along the route that are prone to flooding and drought, to strengthen connectivity with municipalities in the south and east. The project also includes the rehabilitation of three bridges—Seical, Borouai, and Malailada—located between Baucau and Lautém. The initiative also involves implementing climate-resilience measures led by local communities, targeted at mitigating vulnerabilities along the road corridor and reducing the risk of climate change impacts in vulnerable villages.

The loan has very favourable terms for Timor-Leste, with an interest rate of 1% per annum, a 40-year term, and a 10-year grace period. The principal will be repaid at 2% per annum in the first decade after the grace period and at 4% in subsequent years, ensuring a sustainable financial burden for the State.

****

Following a thorough analysis of the various projects financed with loans, which again highlighted initiatives that had not yet been initiated or had very low levels of implementation, the Government decided to cancel some of these projects and review their sources of financing. In this context, certain Financing Agreements currently in force are no longer necessary.

Thus, the Council of Ministers authorised the cancellation of the Power Distribution Modernisation Project and the entire Financing Agreement signed with the ADB on December 20^th, 2021, worth US$35 million. It also authorised the full cancellation of the Financing Agreement signed with the ADB for the “Dili West Water Supply” Project, dated October 25^th, 2022, in the amount of US$50 million. Lastly, it decided to cancel the entire Financing Agreement signed with the ADB for the “President Nicolau Lobato International Airport Expansion” Project, dated January 1^st, 2021, in the amount of US$85 million.

****

The Council of Ministers approved the framework for cooperation on sustainable development between the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations for the period 2026-2030, presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas.

This cooperation framework outlines the strategic partnership that will support the United Nations support for national development priorities, aligning with the 2011–2030 Strategic Development Plan, the Programme of the 9th Constitutional Government, and the 2030 Agenda. The document results from extensive consultations and establishes a shared vision for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable nation. Cooperation is organised around four key pillars: enhancing access to inclusive services, promoting diverse economic development, strengthening climate resilience and infrastructure, and consolidating democratic governance. These pillars also integrate cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, human rights, the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and the principle of leaving no one behind.

The cooperation framework also aids Timor-Leste’s preparation for ASEAN membership, helping to boost economic competitiveness, institutional capacity, and social protection and resilience systems. Its rollout will be supported by joint coordination mechanisms between the Government and the United Nations, ensuring alignment with national priorities and regular monitoring of progress made.

****

The Government’s draft resolution, presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, was also approved. It authorises a financial contribution of US$500,000 to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to support regional humanitarian response operations to recent natural disasters affecting several ASEAN Member States, as well as to strengthen disaster management preparedness and cooperation in the region.

****

The Council of Ministers decided to appoint the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, and the Minister of Defence, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, to join the mediation mission of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), aimed at monitoring the situation following the coup d’état and the suspension of the electoral process in Guinea-Bissau. Considering the recommendation for Guinea-Bissau’s temporary suspension and the proposal to transfer the organisation’s presidency to another Member State, as approved by the CPLP Council of Foreign Ministers, the Council of Ministers also decided to express Timor-Leste’s willingness to assume the rotating presidency of the CPLP for 2026-2027.

****

The Government’s draft resolution, presented by the Vice Minister for Institutional Strengthening of Health, José dos Reis Magno, was also approved. It provides for the dismissal of the current members of the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Public Health of Timor-Leste (INSP-TL – acronym in Portuguese) and the appointment of new members to that body for a period of four years, on a service commission basis, starting on January 1^st, 2026.

Through this Government Resolution, Névio Sarmento was appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of INSP-TL, and Gustodio Alves de Jesus and Endang Soares da Silva were appointed as members of the Board of Directors of this public institute.

The renewal of INSP-TL’s management team aims to enhance the institution’s management capacity, aligning with the principles of the 9th Constitutional Government Programme.

****

The Council of Ministers approved the Government’s draft resolution, presented by the Secretary of State for Art and Culture, Jorge Soares Cristovão, to promote the use of Timor-Leste’s TAIS (handwoven traditional fabric).

This resolution seeks to strengthen the recognition of this vital aspect of Timorese intangible cultural identity, acknowledged by UNESCO and deeply embedded in community rituals, as well as in the country’s economic and social life.

The law requires that public administration bodies and services promote the use of tais on the first working day of each month and encourages managers and leaders to wear this garment during official acts and public ceremonies. The Government also urges civil society and the private sector to participate and motivate their employees to wear tais once a week, helping to preserve and spread its use.

The resolution also includes the establishment of a multidisciplinary commission to develop a certification and authenticity scheme for TAIS, as well as the redevelopment of the TAIS Market in Dili, aimed at enhancing the work of artisans and strengthening the cultural and tourism potential of this space. END

The Vice Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Céu Brites, represented Timor-Leste at the Global Working Group on Social Protection for Nutrition meeting, held from December 2^nd to 4^th, 2025, in Islamabad, Pakistan. The meeting, co-organised by the Governments of Pakistan and Timor-Leste, brought together delegations from seven countries to strengthen the integration of nutrition into national social protection systems. 

Throughout the proceedings, government representatives and international partners reviewed evidence, shared experiences, and discussed approaches to making social protection policies more effective in combating malnutrition. The sessions included technical presentations and discussions on beneficiary targeting, implementation mechanisms, and practices developed in participating countries. 

At the opening session, Vice Minister Céu Brites, representing the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, expressed her appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for hosting the event and for its leadership in promoting nutrition-sensitive social protection, emphasising the importance of joint action. “Let us move from ideas to impact — from commitment to collective action. Together, we can build a world where no mother, no child, and no family is left behind”, she said. 

Timor-Leste participated in thematic discussions, bilateral meetings, and technical visits. On December 2^nd, the Vice Minister met with the Chair of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Rubina Khalid, and with a delegation from Niger, in a meeting dedicated to sharing information on national social protection programmes. She presented the development of the Conditional Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Subsidy (Bolsa da Mãe Kondisional ba Saúde Nutrisaun Inan no Oan – BdMK-SANUTRIO). She highlighted the influence of BISP on its design. 

On the same day, the Vice Minister delivered the opening speech for the Global Working Group, in which she presented the national vision for combating malnutrition, based on the principle that all people should have access to dignity, food security, and good nutrition throughout their lives. She also referred to the ongoing preparations for the implementation of BdMK-SANUTRIO, scheduled for 2026, with technical support from the World Food Programme (WFP) and budgetary support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

On the second day, December 3^rd, Timor-Leste participated in discussion groups that examined progress and challenges in implementing nutrition-sensitive social protection programmes. There was also a technical presentation on targeting approaches, including the use of the Proxy Means Test (PMT) to identify vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under three years of age.

On December 4^th, the Vice Minister visited the BISP One-Window Facilitation Centre in Rawalpindi, where she observed how the service system operates, the procedures implemented, and the verification mechanisms used to ensure beneficiaries access cash transfers. The visit allowed her to gather relevant information for potential adaptations suitable for the context of Timor-Leste.

At the closing session, the Vice Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan and the organising team for hosting the event, emphasising the importance of learning and exchanging experiences between nations. She also stated that she would convey the main outcomes of the meeting to the President of the Republic.

The Global Task Force on Social Protection for Nutrition concluded on December 4, reaffirming the commitment of participating countries to develop social protection systems that help reduce malnutrition and strengthen food security, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

On December 3^rd, 2025, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, attended the II Extraordinary Meeting of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), held in Praia, Cape Verde. The meeting, under the theme “Labour Migration and Decent Work in the CPLP,” aimed to enhance multilateral cooperation in labour, social inclusion, and labour protection, building on the discussions of the XVI Ordinary Meeting of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs of the CPLP, held on June 18^th, 2025.  

The meeting brought together ministers and heads of delegation from the nine member states of the CPLP to examine common measures for promoting decent working conditions, social protection, and inclusion, with particular focus on the challenges related to labour mobility in the Portuguese-speaking world. 

In her speech, Minister Verónica das Dores reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s ongoing commitment to promoting social protection, emphasising that ensuring decent working conditions also means protecting families, particularly the most vulnerable groups. She also stressed that reinforcing training and professional qualifications is a key element in securing better opportunities for access to employment.

During the meeting, ministers approved the “II CPLP Action Plan to Combat Child Labour (2026–2030)”, which will continue the plan in force from 2021 to 2025. Member states reaffirmed that eliminating the worst forms of child labour remains a moral, social, and legal imperative, committing to enhance cooperation and carry out coordinated actions.

The joint declaration of the CPLP for the VI Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, scheduled for February 2026 in Marrakesh, was also approved.

On December 2^nd, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion met with the Minister of Family, Inclusion, and Social Development of Cape Verde, Fernando Elísio Freire. The meeting facilitated the exchange of experiences and integrated policies adopted by the Governments of Timor-Leste and Cape Verde, aiming to build the foundation for a cooperation agreement focused on enhancing training in social security and starting discussions on a bilateral social security convention. During the meeting, the importance of deepening the exchange of experiences and best practices in monitoring, supervision, and the implementation of social protection measures was emphasised, especially regarding labour mobility and the safeguarding of migrant workers. 

The Timorese delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the National Social Security Institute (INPS), where it observed the operation, management, and digitisation of services, which are considered useful references for strengthening social security administration in Timor-Leste.

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Minister Verónica das Dores took part in the Second Forum on Occupational Health and Safety of the CPLP, held at the Palace of the Government in Praia. The forum gathered labour inspection services, ILO experts, academics, and representatives of professional associations, providing a platform to share experiences and strengthen prevention and occupational safety policies across the Portuguese-speaking world. 

On December 5^th, the technical team from the delegation of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion took part in a session dedicated to the “Challenges of the digital transition for safety and health in the workplace,” presenting contributions on national efforts to adapt occupational safety processes to the digital context. 

The Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, attended the 15th International Congress of Ministers of Justice, held in Rome, Italy, on December 1^st and 2^nd, 2025. The meeting brought together government representatives, judicial leaders, and international organisations to discuss justice policies and the abolition of the death penalty.  

The congress, organised by the Community of Sant’Egidio under the slogan “Without life there is no justice,” offered a platform to share experiences and reaffirm the international commitment to humanised justice systems aligned with the principles of human rights.

During the plenary sessions, Minister Sérgio Hornai reaffirmed that Timor-Leste does not apply the death penalty or life imprisonment, in accordance with the national Constitution and Penal Code, reiterating the country’s opposition to capital punishment. He also emphasised the existence of clemency mechanisms, such as commutation and pardon, granted by the President of the Republic, aimed at encouraging social reintegration.

Sérgio Hornai also recalled that Timor-Leste, which “recently became the 11th Member State of ASEAN”, “is committed to promoting the abolition of the death penalty at the regional level.” The Minister emphasised that Timor-Leste will continue to encourage dialogue and cooperation with other States to eliminate this practice and strengthen justice systems that safeguard the right to life and human dignity.

On November 28^th, 2025, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Fernando de Sousa, paid an official visit to the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Forum Macao), which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of Timor-Leste. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen cooperation within the multilateral mechanism of the Forum Macao and to promote the business environment and investment opportunities in Timor-Leste. 

During the meeting with the Permanent Secretariat, initiatives to enhance cooperation between Timor-Leste, Macao, and Mainland China were discussed, with a focus on maximising the benefits of Macao’s Sino-Lusophone Platform. The meeting was attended by the Secretary-General of Forum Macao, Ji Xianzheng; Deputy Secretaries-General Xie Ying and António Lei; the Coordinator of the Administration Office, Li Xiaohui; the Delegate of Timor-Leste to Forum Macao, António Ramos da Silva; and other members of the Secretariat.

On the same day, a “Lecture on the Business Environment and Investment Promotion in Timor-Leste” was held at the China-Portuguese Speaking Countries Trade Cooperation Service Platform Complex, organised by the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macao. The session included the presentation of an institutional video on investment opportunities in the country, a thematic speech by Minister Gastão Fernando de Sousa, and direct interaction with participants through a question-and-answer session.

Ji Xianzheng, Secretary-General of Forum Macao, along with representatives from the Macao-Timor Friendship Association and other guests, attended the event. Business associations from Macao, companies from mainland China and Macao, as well as members of the Permanent Secretariat, were also present.

The lecture offered an opportunity to expand understanding of the business environment in Timor-Leste and to identify new prospects for economic collaboration. The initiative also strengthened the role of Macao’s Sino-Lusophone Platform in promoting investment and encouraging exchanges between Timor-Leste, Macao, and mainland China.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated on December 3^rd, 2025, across the country, with activities held in all municipalities and in the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA). In the municipality of Manatuto, the celebrations were attended by the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho. 

Organised by the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Association of Persons with Disabilities of Timor-Leste, this year’s initiatives took place under the global theme “Promoting inclusive societies for persons with disabilities to advance social progress” and the national theme “The implementation of the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities” (PAN-EhD – acronym in Tetum) 2021-2030. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at all levels is crucial for Timor-Leste to promote social progress and strengthen inclusion. 

At the ceremony in Manatuto, Elvina Sousa Carvalho congratulated people with disabilities on the occasion and highlighted its importance, stating that “today we celebrate an important day that recognises that people with disabilities have the same rights as any other citizen and are an integral part of the country’s inclusive development.” 

The acting minister stressed that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to raise public awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities, ensure equal access to public and private services, remove discriminatory barriers, and promote their full participation in family, community, and society. She also highlighted the importance of valuing talents and abilities to combat stigma and discrimination. 

Elvina Sousa Carvalho reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to implementing the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasising that this is a shared responsibility between the Government, the State, and civil society. 

The Secretary of State also noted that 2025 marks the completion of Timor-Leste’s Initial Report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention, a document that consolidates information from all ministries and includes vital contributions on policies, practices, challenges, and progress made to enhance the well-being of persons with disabilities and their families.

The celebration in Manatuto featured a thanksgiving mass, a march for inclusion, and the distribution of food supplies. The activities were organised by the Municipal Social Solidarity and Inclusion Centre, in collaboration with the Municipal Administration, local authorities, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and community groups. 

The celebrations occurred simultaneously across all municipalities and in the RAEOA, ensuring local community participation and reinforcing the principle that no person with a disability should be excluded from national inclusion initiatives. 

In Dili, Arlindo Pinto, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Social Security Institute (INSS) and the Social Security Reserve Fund Institute (FRSS), took part in the ceremony at Dom Aleixo Administrative Post, Suco Comoro. He highlighted that “the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in all municipalities aims to ensure that this commemoration reaches all persons with disabilities in the country.” 

The Dili Municipal Authority, administrators, community leaders, organisations for people with disabilities, development partners, and members of the diplomatic corps attended the ceremony. 

In a message posted on social media, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, reaffirmed the “full commitment” of the 9th Constitutional Government to “inclusive development in Timor-Leste, ensuring that no one is left behind in the national development process.” The message emphasises that the implementation of PAN-EhD 2021-2030 is the key instrument for translating the commitments made by Timor-Leste under the UN Convention into tangible policies and actions capable of fostering equality, dignity, and inclusion across the entire country.

On December 4^th, 2025, the 3rd ASEAN Interministerial Coordination Meeting took place in the Grand Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Dili. The meeting aimed to strengthen national coordination following Timor-Leste’s official accession to the Association of Southeast Asia (ASEAN) on October 26^th, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The objectives included defining priorities, consolidating institutional structures, and establishing a timetable to ensure full national integration into the regional organisation. 

At the opening of the meeting, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão stressed the importance of directing government efforts towards the commitments made as the 11th Member State of ASEAN, emphasising the need to ensure consistency between these commitments and the country’s national development goals.

The session reviewed the progress since signing the Admission Declaration at the 47th ASEAN Summit, including the status of legal instruments and follow-up actions already initiated. Timor-Leste’s participation in ASEAN activities and meetings as a full member, the necessary human resources, and the establishment of ASEAN units within various ministries and national institutions were also discussed. Participants also evaluated strategic aspects as well as logistical, administrative, and financial requirements related to national involvement in ASEAN meetings and activities.

At the close of the meeting, the commitment to continue strengthening interministerial coordination was reiterated, ensuring consistent implementation of the obligations arising from full membership.

At the Council of Ministers meeting on December 3^rd, 2025, the Executive decided to authorise a financial contribution of US$400,000 to the Unit for Timor-Leste within the ASEAN Secretariat. This support aims to ensure the Unit’s continued functioning and to strengthen technical and institutional monitoring activities for the integration process into the regional organisation.

On November 11^th, 2025, the National Parliament unanimously ratified the Declaration on the Accession of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to ASEAN. The session was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel.

On that occasion, Minister Bendito Freitas stated that the ratification of the declaration “represents a decisive, historic and indispensable step towards the full integration of Timor-Leste into ASEAN”, adding that parliamentary approval “legally fulfils one of the noblest aspirations of our people”. Recalling the Prime Minister’s words, he also emphasised that this accession “not only represents the realisation of a collective dream, but also the validation of a long historical journey, marked by the courage, resilience, determination and unshakeable faith of the Timorese people”.

 

The Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur on October 26^th, 2025, symbolises the political and legal recognition of Timor-Leste’s full integration and guarantees its participation in all mechanisms provided for in the ASEAN Charter.

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers on December 3rd 2025

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, for the approval of an extraordinary payment of one month’s additional salary to the Civil Service.

This decree-law aims to ensure, throughout 2025, the exceptional payment of an additional salary as a recognition of the commitment and dedication of civil servants and equivalent workers. The measure upholds the principle of universality, covering public office holders, civil servants, agents, members of defence and security forces, workers subject to the Labour Law, and public administration contractors, excluding foreign contractors.

The extraordinary payment generally corresponds to the salary earned in December 2025. To ensure uniformity, the amount allocated to contractors is aligned with the general regime and restricted to the maximum grade and level of the salary scale, similar to civil servants and agents. The law also states that the amount of the extraordinary payment cannot surpass the salary of the President of the Republic.

The payment will be made during December 2025 and will be financed from the funds available in the budgets of the respective employers. In cases where budgetary resources are insufficient, priority should be given to paying workers with the lowest salaries, with the remaining amounts being covered by the General State Budget for 2026.

*****

The draft Decree-Law, also presented by the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, on the execution of the 2026 General State Budget, was approved.

This decree-law sets out the rules for implementing the General State Budget for 2026, approved by Law No. 8/2025 of November 27^th, defining the deadlines for closing the fiscal year, the terms for using letters of credit and fiduciary accounts, as well as the conditions for utilising cash advances and working capital funds, in accordance with the prevailing general regime.

Aiming to curb the growth of current expenditure and improve the management of public resources, the decree-law introduces specific rules for overtime, business travel, allowances, and catering services, thereby enhancing control over especially sensitive headings. It also prioritises strengthening internal auditing by requiring half-yearly reports on these expenses and the use of working capital and cash advances, thereby promoting greater accountability, transparency, and discipline in budget implementation in 2026.

*****

The Council of Ministers approved the Government’s draft resolution, submitted by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, authorising a financial contribution of four hundred thousand US dollars to the Unit for Timor-Leste at the ASEAN Secretariat.

This contribution aims to support the operation of the Unit above and to ensure the continuation of essential activities to monitor Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN following its full accession, formalised on October 26^th, 2025.

*****

The Council of Ministers analysed the preliminary presentation by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the President of the Civil Service Commission (CFP – acronym in Portuguese) of Timor-Leste, Agostinho Letêncio de Deus, and the working group for the reform of human resources management in the Public Administration regarding the project to reorganise the structure of the public administration of the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno.

*****

Lastly, the Council of Ministers decided to grant the Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, full powers to sign a cooperation agreement in education with the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC – acronym in Portuguese). END

9.00 am, Government Palace