Photo: Book of State Budget 2025
21 October 2024
For Timor-Leste’s 2025 General State Budget (GSB), the Government proposed a total of US $2.6 billion, which includes programs aimed at strengthening essential sectors such as defence, security and foreign affairs. However, budget execution during 2024 has faced significant challenges, with an average execution rate of only 55.2%, which reveals difficulties related to the effective utilization of resources, especially in institutions such as the Ministry of Defence and Scientific and Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC).
The proposed GSB for 2025 seeks to finance key programmes, with significant allocations provided to the Ministry of Defence and FALINTIL-Defence Force of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL). However, funds have been consistently under-utilized, particularly funds allocated for infrastructure and equipment development, areas which are essential for force modernization and responses to regional threats. The budget allocation for the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), which faces continues to face significant logistical and training challenges, is disproportionately focused on officer salaries, leaves inadequate resources to be allocated for institutional and technological development.
Regarding the foreign affairs sector, the budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation reflects the Government’s intention to expand Timor-Leste’s diplomatic presence, including the need to increase resources for consular protections and support provided to Timorese citizens abroad.
Finally, the report points out the urgent need to improve inter-ministerial coordination, while investing in technical training and technological capabilities, which are essential to meet the national challenges such as illegal trafficking and cyber-crimes.
To learn more about the issues mentioned above, please follow the link below:
Press Release (PDF)
Full Report MNL 164 (PDF)
Fundasaun Mahein
Email: mahein2009@gmail.com
Telemovel: (+670) 75771766
Website: www.fundasaunmahein.org
