The budget law was approved in full on Thursday seven days after parliament had voted to remove $650 million to buy holdings in the Greater Sunrise gas project.

National Parliament President Arao Noe praised the President, describing the budget as one to “re-harmonise” Timor-Leste.

In economic terms, Thursday’s result is a victory for the government, which had made provisions for a temporary budget appropriation for February to meet State costs.

But the successful passing of the 2019 budget also sets up the major political issue of how the government will implement its program with nine members of its cabinet outstanding.

Noe, speaking in Parliament after the promulgation, called on Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak to “immediately” finalise his cabinet warning that several Ministries were currently ineffective” because of a lack of leadership.

He said the incomplete government structure risked successful implementation of the 2019 budget program.

The government’s cabinet has been incomplete since June 2018 when President Lu Olo refused to swear in 11 nominated members because of alleged involvement in corruption investigations, marring the formation of a new government.