Manama: Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, attended a meeting held by the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. The committee delivered a detailed presentation on the draft state budget for the fiscal years 2025-2026.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was attended by Abdulnabi Salman Ahmed, First Deputy Speaker, and MP Ahmed Abdulwahed Qarata. MP Ahmed Sabah Al Salloom, Chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, stated that the session followed the directives of the Speaker to brief all MPs on the discussions held between the executive and legislative authorities regarding the budget. He emphasized the importance of MP participation to develop a unified vision, address questions, and submit proposals ahead of referral to the government.
Al Salloom expressed appreciation for the Speaker's efforts in supporting parliamentary proposals during meetings. He also commended the Speaker's commitment to achieving national goals through continued cooperation and close coordination between both authorities. He highlighted that these efforts contribute to advancing comprehensive development under the leadership 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.
He added that joint meetings with the executive authority began on October 31, 2024, and continued through March, with a total of six meetings held. These sessions reviewed the overall objectives of the 2025-2026 budget and discussed strategic projects across several key sectors, including housing and urban development, education, public works, health, labor and social development, electricity, water, oil, and the environment.
The chairman outlined the key principles agreed upon during the joint meetings:
1. No increase in value-added tax (VAT).
2. Inclusion of annual increases for pensioners by maintaining the 2023-2024 cost-of-living allowance and increasing the allowance for 2025-2026.
3. Continued development of government services through various measures in housing, education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
4. Improving spending efficiency by reducing recurrent expenditures of ministries and government bodies by at least 5%.
5. Providing direct cash support to low-income citizens if prices of subsidized goods are adjusted during the budget cycle.
6. Preparing a legislative package to enhance fiscal status through revenues generated from company profits.
7. Enhancing infrastructure sustainability and encouraging development of idle investment and commercial land.
8. Exploring options to reduce the budget deficit and meet funding requirements during the budget implementation period.
Al Salloom thanked members of both authorities and all working teams for their cooperation and commitment to serving the Kingdom and citizens.