Manama: The executive and legislative authorities held a joint meeting today to continue consultations on the state budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal years. The meeting was chaired by Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives; Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council; and Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy. The meeting was also attended by several ministers, the deputy chairpersons of both councils, the chairpersons and members of the financial and economic committees of both councils, and other officials.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Speaker said that the consultative meetings between both authorities on the 2025-2026 draft state budget law have been characterised by a strong sense of national responsibility and a commitment to teamwork as 'Team Bahrain'. He emphasised the importance of constructive cooperation aimed at serving the nation and its citizens, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The discussions focused on improving citizens' living standards, driving economic growth, ensuring financial sustainability, and enhancing government services. Priorities and projects proposed by government ministries for inclusion in the budget were reviewed, aiming to create quality opportunities for Bahrainis and enhance public services across various sectors.
The Speaker of the Council of Representatives noted that a report on the draft state budget law for 2025-2026 would be prepared by the financial and economic committee once the draft is received. This process will adhere to legal and constitutional frameworks to ensure the budget serves the national interest and meets citizens' needs and aspirations.
Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, highlighted that the intensive and productive consultative meetings demonstrate a shared commitment to reaching agreements that fulfil national aspirations and support economic growth and financial stability. He expressed gratitude to the government for its detailed explanation of the development projects included in the state budget and commended Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa and the government team for presenting a comprehensive vision for the budget.
Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Finance Minister, underscored the importance of continued cooperation between both authorities to align with national development goals. He noted that discussions covered the main objectives of the 2025-2026 state budget, which reflect the Kingdom's strategic priorities for financial sustainability and economic growth. The government is increasing financial allocations for key sectors such as housing, education, health, and infrastructure, while working to enhance public revenue, improve the quality of government services, and optimise expenditure efficiency.
During the meeting, the government team previewed the Ministry of Social Development's upcoming projects, including the expansion of social service and rehabilitation centres. The executive and legislative authorities also reviewed the joint committee's coordination on government subsidies, which aligns with the government's 2023-2026 programme. The discussion included the eligibility criteria and mechanisms for the Citizen's Account programme, which aims to provide direct financial support to eligible citizens.
The meeting addressed the expansion of government subsidies and the increase in the number of beneficiaries through a gradual support system based on household income. The programme aims to streamline all forms of government assistance under a unified scheme managed by a single administrative body. This effort seeks to ensure stability in living standards for Bahraini citizens and aligns with Bahrain's economic and social objectives.