Parliament is preparing to address a number of priority issues amid critical regional and international circumstances and growing economic challenges, ahead of the fifth session of the sixth legislative term.
MPs have stressed the importance of striking a balance between safeguarding citizens’ gains and strengthening the kingdom’s financial and economic sustainability.
In statements to our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej, several MPs said the next session would require to focus on issues directly affecting citizens’ lives, including mainly improving the living standard, social protection, housing, employment and Bahrainisation.
They also highlighted the need to support growth and investment and strengthen the national economy’s ability to absorb shocks.
MP Dr Hassan Bukhamas, chairman of the foreign affairs, defence and national security committee, said the upcoming session represented an exceptional phase, stressing that the Royal Address at the opening of the session would serve as a roadmap for national and parliamentary action.
He explained that the committee would prioritise developing the security system and enacting proactive legislation to keep pace with technological developments, enhance cybersecurity, and protect critical infrastructure.
It would also support Bahraini diplomacy and strengthen the kingdom’s presence at international forums, he noted.
MP Ahmed Al Salloom, chairman of the financial and economic affairs committee, stressed the importance of achieving financial sustainability at the lowest possible social cost while safeguarding citizens’ gains, diversifying sources of income, stimulating non-oil sectors, attracting investments, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
MP Dr Munir Suroor said protecting citizens’ livelihoods would be a top priority, with a focus on employment, Bahrainisation, housing, electricity, essential services, and fairness in subsidies.
MP Hassan Ibrahim also stressed the importance of maintaining the Fiscal Balance Programme while protecting social gains, noting that addressing high electricity bills and providing employment opportunities would be among the key issues during the upcoming session.
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