National interests are common goals

Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al Hammadi stressed that the government and the Council of Representatives share common goals regarding the country’s interests. 

During the weekly Council of Representatives session, the Minister said that the government was committed to complying with all constitutional decisions made by the legislative authority, and that the government would take into consideration all points of view when considering ways to deal with the nation’s fiscal challenges.

“The government deeply values the input of the Council of Representatives and welcomes its vigour and commitment to protecting citizens’ interests,” the Minister said. 

“The government stands side-by-side with the council in its efforts to improve the lives of Bahraini citizens and protect national interests. Since the launch of His Majesty’s reform programme, the democratic process in Bahrain has moved forward significantly and the powers granted to the Council of Representatives have increased considerably. The decision on petrol prices was taken by the executive branch according to the powers granted to it by the constitution,” he elaborated. “The price of oil has dropped markedly since the Council of Representatives approved the forecasts contained within the Government Action Plan and State Budget, and immediate action was necessary to protect citizens’ interests and the nation’s fiscal stability,” he noted.

“The government has implemented a large number of decisions submitted by the Representatives Council on social assistance programmes and subsidies for goods and services. We are confident that all parties will continue to work together to prioritise the public interest and achieve fiscal sustainability for the benefit of the Kingdom’s citizens,” he said.

“The government is prepared to take into account all points of view, and to comply with any constitutional decision taken by the parliament regarding fiscal reform, whether related to increasing revenues or reducing expenditure,” Al Hammadi added.