DILI, 04 December 2025 (TATOLI) – The Council of Ministers has approved a draft decree-law governing the execution of Timor-Leste’s 2026 General State Budget.
The proposal was presented by Minister of Finance Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso.
“This decree-law sets out the rules for implementing the General State Budget for 2026, approved by Law No. 8/2025 of November 27th, 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,” said in a statement.
The measure seeks to curb the growth of current expenditure and strengthen the management of public resources. It introduces specific rules for overtime, business travel, allowances, and catering services to reinforce control over budget lines considered especially sensitive.
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.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
