Dili, 06 August 2025 – Ministry of National Liberation Combatants Affairs (MAKLN), led by Minister Gil da Costa Monteiro “Oan-Soru”, presented the proposal of planning and budget allocation for 2026 at the meeting of the Budget Review Committee, led directly by the Prime Minister Maun Boot Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
WHETHER. Eng. Gastão Francisco de Sousa, Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment (MPIE), also participated in this important meeting, with the objective to see and follow the process of presentation of proposals by ministries according to the fiscal ceiling orientation and government priorities.
💰 MAKLN Budget Proposal: $201 Million
Minister Oan-Soru stated that MAKLN’s budget proposal strictly follows fiscal guidelines and totals USD 201 million, aimed at supporting priority programs:
-
Pension payments for veterans, which have sparked public debate and controversy.
-
Construction of Heroes’ Gardens at the national level, with ongoing works in some locations.
-
Burial of mortal remains in Timor, with an estimated total of 12,000 remains. From the 4th to the 9th Government, only 2,000 have been buried.
The Minister emphasized:
“Our budget also allocates funds for construction programs to be completed in the coming year.”
📉 Execution Performance of the 2025 State Budget (OJE)
MAKLN recorded a low execution rate (27%) for the 2025 State Budget due to pending payments for veterans, especially those with complaints or ongoing legal challenges.
The Minister stated:
“In December this year, we will begin making some payments, and the execution rate will increase.”