Manama: The Council of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, conducted its 26th regular session of the third session within the sixth legislative term, with full attendance from council members. During the session, Al Musallam extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the successful organization of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Musallam emphasized Bahrain's ongoing accomplishments, its prominent status, and strong organizational capabilities across multiple sectors, along with the economic benefits realized under His Majesty the King's comprehensive development strategy. He expressed gratitude to all participants in the event's success, recognizing ministries, institutions, and individuals forming Team Bahrain for their contributions to enhancing The Kingdom of Bahrain's global reputation in motorsport. Additionally, he congratulated the Kingdom on McLaren's first-place victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Subsequent to the session, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sisi Al Buainain, Secretary General of the Council of Representatives, released a statement outlining the topics discussed. Key parliamentary questions included the Social Development Minister's response regarding eligibility categories for disability allowances, addressed to MP Hesham Abdulaziz Al Awadhi, and the Electricity and Water Affairs Minister's responses concerning electricity unit cost and income-based classification of subscribers, addressed to MPs Mahmood Mirza Fardan and Zainab Abdulameer Khalil, respectively.
In terms of draft legislation, the council reviewed the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee's report on a draft law related to agreements between the Government of Bahrain and the Islamic Development Bank for financing the Jasra 400 kV substation project, which was approved in principle and referred to the Shura Council. Another draft law on amending regulations for tenders, auctions, procurement, and government sales was sent back to the committee for further study.
Additional legislative actions included the approval and referral to the government of reports on amendments to laws concerning education, social insurance, and labor market regulation. The Council also approved and referred several recommendations to the government, including the establishment of community halls, a youth center, and a women's event hall, as well as infrastructure development and expedited planning processes.
The session concluded with a general discussion on a motion submitted by MPs to review government policies related to services for minors, followed by the consideration of additional proposals under new business.