Government of Timor-Leste

Under the slogan “Optimising Results with Realistic Expenditures”, this year's Budgetary Days began with welcoming remarks from Finance Minister Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, followed by an opening speech delivered by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. 

In his speech, the Prime Minister stressed that “Today’s meeting marks the beginning of an important process for our country: the preparation of the 2026 General State Budget”, stressing that “The 2026 budget must continue to reflect our determination to build a more prosperous, equitable and resilient society”.

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also emphasised that “as such, the State Budget is not just a financial tool — it is a moral instrument”, calling for commitment from all those involved, saying “Ladies and Gentlemen, we cannot let our people down!”.

Among the main priorities identified by the Head of Government, social protection stood out, which “remains one of our foremost priorities. In 2026, we will prioritise the design and rollout of a more integrated, inclusive and digitalised social protection platform that is able to adapt to the changing needs of our society”. 

He also emphasised the importance of institutional reforms and improvements on “the machinery of Government, especially in how we manage public finances”, which are “essential not just for effective governance, but also for restoring public trust”.

In the economic area, the Prime Minister stated that “we must also lay the foundations for a more dynamic, inclusive and competitive economy”, stressing that “although the private sector will drive our economic growth, but the government must create the enabling environment for this transformation to succeed”. 

Lastly, the Head of Government reinforced the call for responsibility and ambition in preparing the General State Budget, stating that “The 2026 Budget must reflect these aspirations. It must be a Budget of responsibility — fiscally, socially, environmentally and politically”. “It must embody our vision for Timor-Leste's future and our commitment to the welfare of our people”. “Let us work together, and work hard, on a Budget that transforms — a Budget that accelerates economic growth, a Budget that puts people first, especially those most in need”. “The decisions we will make today [during these Budgetary Days] will shape our nation's trajectory for years to come”. “And above all, let us remain united in our mission to deliver a better life for every citizen of Timor-Leste.” 

The Minister of Finance emphasised that the theme “Optimising Results with Realistic Expenditures” “focuses on the essence of our collective responsibility as managers of public resources”.

 The minister said that the preparation of the 2026 GSB “is not just a technical exercise in resource allocation, but also includes Timor-Leste's vision for sustainable development, our commitment to improving the lives of citizens, and our dedication to building a more prosperous and resilient nation.”

Minister Santina Cardoso also stated that “our commitment to transparent and inclusive governance reflects open governance, bringing together all parties from various sectors who can contribute their knowledge to ensure that the budget is drawn up through collective and transparent decisions.”

During the various sessions of the event, macroeconomic issues, budgetary strategies, and the performance of the financial and private sectors were discussed. Proposals for priorities, mandatory expenditures, and scenarios regarding the 2026 fiscal ceiling were presented, which will subsequently be submitted to the Council of Ministers for consideration.

Following the General State Budget and Public Financial Management Framework Law, the draft Law Proposal for the 2025 GSB must be submitted to the National Parliament by October 1^st, 2025.