Today, November 20th, 2024, the National Parliament approved the 2025 General State Budget (GSB), with a total of US$2.617 billion, in a final overall vote. The budget aims to promote investment in strategic infrastructure, strengthen the economy, and improve citizens’ well-being. The law proposal was approved with 42 votes in favour, 23 against, and no abstentions. 
In his final intervention, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão praised the “highly participatory and positive debate” and emphasised that “democracy, which is part of Timor-Leste’s identity, requires that different ideas, different proposals can be respected and can be shared through constructive and serious debate”.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed that the Government will continue to make efforts to make investments and honour commitments, ensuring that these financial commitments do not compromise future generations’ access to national resources. On the contrary, the aim is to ensure that future generations can benefit from these resources, promoting national development in the short, medium and long term. 
In closing, he again quoted Pope Francis, reminding us that “the best and most beautiful thing Timor-Leste has is its people”. The Head of Government emphasised that the Government’s commitment is to the people, stating that “this budget was made with the people in mind so that we can say that this budget really belongs to the people”.
Some of the central allocations include 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, also receives special attention, with US$145.8 million for educational infrastructure and US$17.2 million for scholarships. This budget also includes measures to strengthen public finances and combat corruption. 
Speaking at the presentation of the law proposal, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão emphasised that the 2025 GSB is “more than a mere collection of figures and allocation of funds: it is a declaration of intent; a bold vision for the future; and a concrete roadmap for facing the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities”. With this proposal, the Government wants to ensure that all citizens, “regardless of where they live or their social position”, enjoy the “fruits of growth and development”. “This is a budget for the people and by the people”, said the Prime Minister.
The 9th Constitutional Government reaffirms its commitment to consolidating the achievements of its first year in office and 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 focused on concrete results for the population.
The final wording of the document will now be submitted to the President of the Republic for promulgation.