Dili, February 12 (AseanAll)  — On February 12, 2026, President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta sworn in Mrs. Regina de Jesus de Sousa as the new Deputy Minister of Finance of the IX Constitutional Government of . The ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. 

The appointment was formalized under the Decree of the President of the Republic No. 17/2026. Mrs. Regina de Jesus de Sousa succeeds the former Deputy Minister of Finance, Ms. Felícia Claudinanda Cruz Carvalho.

Mrs. Regina de Jesus de Sousa is a financial expert with more than 20 years of experience in the Ministry of Finance. She brings high-level technical expertise in Public Finance Management (PFM) to her new position. As the former Director General of the Treasury, she was instrumental in ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and transparency of the state’s financial systems. Her leadership covers strategic areas including national accounting, treasury operations, budget execution, and payroll management, directly supporting government policy and PFM reforms. Known for her analytical skills and compliance expertise, she has a strong track record of building teams, fostering cross-agency cooperation, and advising state bodies on budgetary matters. her expertise has been enhanced through advanced international training with the IMF and ADB, focusing on treasury modernization, debt sustainability, and fiscal policy.

Ramos-Horta stated: “I have full confidence that Mrs. Regina de Jesus de Sousa will bring her exceptional expertise, unwavering integrity, and profound commitment to public service to this vital role. Her leadership will be crucial in advancing our nation’s economic stability, ensuring fiscal discipline, and reinforcing the foundations of good governance for the benefit of all Timorese people.”

The ceremony marked the formal transfer of duties and the commencement of the new Deputy Minister’s term of office.