Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam praised co-operation between the legislative and executive authorities and reaffirmed the chamber’s continued role in protecting citizens’ living standards amid ongoing financial reforms.
In a speech delivered at the start of the session yesterday, Mr Al Musallam said Parliament was honoured to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude for the constructive co-ordination between both authorities, carried out in line with the royal vision of His Majesty King Hamad, which places the Bahraini citizen at the heart of national development.
He also thanked His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the government’s decision not to amend electricity and water tariffs for the first and second consumption tiers for citizens in their primary residences.
The Speaker noted that the Cabinet had also decided to postpone the development of new support mechanisms for power and water until further study – a move aimed at safeguarding the living standards of low-income and middle-income families.
Mr Al Musallam reaffirmed the legislature’s support for initiatives agreed upon during joint meetings with the government, while committing to pass necessary legislation to strengthen Bahrain’s financial position without compromising citizens’ entitlements.
“We will convey our demands to the leadership as requested by MPs,” he said, before congratulating members on the New Year.
During the session, First deputy speaker Abdulnabi Salman outlined Parliament’s key demands, which include expanding the second subsidised electricity consumption bracket from the current 3,001-5,000 units to 7,000 units, increasing water consumption allowances within the second category, and granting Bahrainis monthly fuel support of BD40 through activation of the Citizens’ Fund within the state budget.
Mr Salman stressed that Parliament had succeeded in securing approval for nine proposals within the financial measures, despite additional amendments introduced solely by the government.
Meanwhile, Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain defended the government’s approach, stressing its constitutional right to act in the public interest without returning to Parliament on every decision.
“We started with BD200 million in subsidy support years ago, and today it stands at BD550m annually and this requires revision,” he said.
“Full financial stability and sustainability are a government responsibility.”
Second deputy speaker MP Ahmed Qarata and Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk also weighed in, urging the government to ensure that the middle class is protected from any adverse impact arising from future financial measures.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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