In a strongly worded statement, Fretilin said the government’s “failures and delays” in preparation of the 2019 State Budget would have a “negative impact for the people and for the functioning of the state.”

The party said the hearing delays made it difficult for parliamentarians to conduct a thorough analysis of the proposed budget.

The government called for a postponement of hearings of the specialised committees on the 2019 State Budget, arguing that budget books were not ready.

Sources close to Dili said that almost two weeks after the government had submitted its budget proposal to Parliament several books in the budget package, including the Annual Plan of Actions, remained missing, Lusa news reported Friday.

This implies that the public hearings began last week without much of the necessary documentation, Lusa said.

Public budget hearings are scheduled to continue this week. A final approved document is set to be sent to President Francisco Lo Olo Guterres on December 24.

The proposed total budget for 2019 is $1.827 billion (including borrowing). This includes; $214 million for salaries and benefits, $478m for goods and services, $705m for public transfers, $ 29m for minor capital, $313m for development capital (without borrowing), and $ 87m in borrowed money for development capital.