Timor-Leste budget committee chair rejects requests for extra funding
Cedelízia Faria dos Santos said necessary spending changes should come through reallocations rather than an increase in the proposed 2027 budget ceiling.
Timor-Leste’s parliamentary public finance committee chair, Cedelízia Faria dos Santos, has opposed requests from some ministries and public bodies for more funding in the proposed 2027 state budget. The requests were presented during public hearings on the spending proposal.
Speaking at the National Parliament, Faria dos Santos said the proposed budget was already large and its overall ceiling should remain unchanged. She said several ministries had requested adjustments to their allocations that would not increase total spending. Where necessary, funds could be shifted between budget categories, she said, without detailing the additional funding requests.
The Finance Ministry sent the 2027 budget bill to parliament on 1 October 2026. Faria dos Santos identified agriculture, education and health among the priorities for funding.
Under the parliamentary timetable, the general debate is scheduled for 9–11 November 2026, with detailed deliberations to follow. Parliament is due to hold its final vote on 4 December 2026. If approved, the bill’s final wording will be prepared before it is sent to the president for promulgation.
