The 2025 General State Budget (GSB) Draft Law Proposal was approved in general terms by the National Parliament in a plenary session on November 8^th, 2024, with 42 votes in favour, zero against and 22 abstentions.

The proposal, presented by the 9th Constitutional Government, reflects the commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of the Timorese population, with an overall budget of US$2.617 billion. Under the motto ‘Investment in Strategic Infrastructures, Strengthening the Economy and Improving the Well-being of Citizens’, the Government reinforces its vision of the future and commitment to meeting the needs of society. 

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão emphasised that the 2025 GSB represents an ambitious vision and a concrete plan to tackle challenges. The proposal provides opportunities for all citizens, ‘regardless of where they live or their social position’. To promote a more prosperous and equitable society, the proposal covers priority areas, including infrastructure, education, health, social protection, and the oil sector.

Among the main allocations are US$654 million for strategic infrastructure, US$741 million for social capital and US$92.2 million for health. Investment in education and training for young people, an essential pillar for the country’s future, is also welcomed, with US$145.8 million for educational infrastructure and US$17.2 million for scholarships.

This budget incorporates measures to strengthen public finances and combat corruption, with the Head of Government emphasising that ‘transparency and good management are fundam ental to ensuring that public resources benefit the whole nation’. 

Following this approval in general terms, the 2025 GSB will now be analysed in special terms. The final discussions and votes are scheduled between November 11^th and 25^th.

The Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidating the achievements of its first year in office and to implementing an ambitious development plan to improve the population’s well-being and promote the country’s economic growth. This budget reflects the government’s determination to tackle the country’s challenges in a structured way and focus on concrete results for the population.