DILI May 21, 2026
The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, together with government members and pertinent authorities, marked their presence at the National Parliament to respond to an audience invitation from Committee D, which deals with Economic and Development Affairs. The ceremony was held at the National Parliament, Plenary Hall.
The aim of this hearing is to further analyse and provide clarification on the “Draft Law No. 31/VI (3rd) – First Amendment to Law No. 8/2025, of 27 November, General State Budget (GSB) for the year (2026)”. The vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuady Lay, the government states that the amendment Proposal for the First Amendment to the GSB Law 2026 has the main objective of adjusting budget allocations according to the current needs of nation’s development”
‘’The Government considers that there are priority programs and projects that require urgent financial reinforcement, particularly to accelerate infrastructure development, public investment, and to strengthen the national economic growth momentum’’. Said Vise-PM. Commission D of the National Parliament presented questions to request clarification and detailed information regarding the need for amendment, priority of Government programs, and the economic and social impact of the proposal.
This audit is deemed a vital instrument to ensure that the management and use of State funds are carried out with transparency, high accountability, and bring real benefits for the people’s interests and the country’s development.
In accordance with legal procedure and public finance management rules, amendments to the OJE Law may be affected when the Government identifies emergent needs or urgent priorities necessitating budgetary adjustments during the fiscal year’s execution.
Pursuant to the Budget Framework Law and state finance rules, major changes in the structure or allocation of the OJE cannot be decided solely by the executive but must obtain formal approval from the National Parliament through the process of hearing, discussion, and parliamentary.
During the audience, Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay was accompanied by the General Coordinator of MKAE, Mr. Jorge Rui de Carvalho Martins. Also participating were the Minister of Finance, Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, and other pertinent authorities.