DILI, 13 december 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic José Ramos Horta, said today that he will promulgate Timor-Leste’s General State Budget (GSB) before Christmas.
Horta said as the Head of State, he doubts the allocation of the budget to the Veterans Fund: “I have therefore asked the Court of Appeal to analyze and review the constitutionality of the draft 2023 State Budget Bill which allocated US$1 billion to veterans’ fund.”
“I wanted to promulgate the State Budget proposal before Christmas, so as not to hinder the implementation of the Government’s program next year,” President Horta made the comments upon his arrival at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Comoro, Dili.
Horta stressed that Timor-Leste is currently preparing for presidential elections next year: “Therefore, I do not want to make any decision that may hinder the implementation of the programs of the government which may affect the nation’s economy.”
On November 18, National Parliament delivered the State Budget proposal to the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, for its promulgation.
The 2023 State Budget is worth US$3.2 billion, of which US$2.8 billion is allocated for the Central Administration budget, including US$1 billion for the Veterans’ fund, US$120 million for the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA) and US$235.7 million for social security.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
