اخبار البحرين – وطن نيوز
W6nnews.com ==== وطن === تاريخ النشر – 2026-07-04 23:00:00
Hassan Al-Stri, Speaker of the Shura Council, Ali Al-Saleh, confirmed that the Shura Council continues to work in a team spirit with the House of Representatives in order to achieve the interests of the nation and the citizens, indicating that the Council places the development of national legislation at the top of its priorities, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, and the requirements of the current and future stage. Al-Saleh explained, in an interview with Al-Watan, that the existing cooperation and coordination between the legislative authority and the executive authority represents a basic pillar. To support the development process and enhance the quality of legislation, in light of the continuous follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He stated that extending the sixth legislative term for an additional year allowed the completion of the study of a number of important draft laws, stressing the Council’s keenness to achieve a balance between legislative requirements and economic reality, and keeping pace with the transformations associated with the digital economy and artificial intelligence. He also stressed that protecting people with limited income represents a major focus in the discussions of the legislative authority, in parallel with government efforts aimed at enhancing financial sustainability and driving growth. He stressed that the relationship between the Shura Council and the House of Representatives is based on integration and joint coordination to serve the national interest, praising the growing role of Bahraini parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening the Kingdom’s presence on the international scene, and stressing that Bahrain is moving steadily towards a more prosperous future at the legislative and economic levels. Below is the text of the dialogue: What are the most prominent priorities of the Shura Council during the current stage? stage, and presents suggestions and ideas that are compatible with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the country, as His Majesty’s sublime speech, which he kindly delivers at the opening of each session, constitutes a road map for determining national priorities, through which we work with responsibility and dedication and make efforts to make national legislation consistent with the directives of His Majesty the King. How do you evaluate the level of coordination between the Shura Council and the executive authority? – Thanks to the sound directives. To His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, and to the continuous follow-up and attention of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, fruitful cooperation, coordination and consultation between the Shura Council and the executive authority in its various institutions continues and develops in a way that achieves the national interest and supports legislation and laws. You notice the joint meetings between the Council’s committees, ministers, and officials in all institutions, which is one of the forms of coordination and cooperation with the government, through which discussion takes place. Ideas and opinions on topics that strengthen our legislation and promote development and progress in our dear homeland. Here we must praise the continuous meetings held by His Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, with the Shura and Representatives Councils, as these meetings open horizons for raising national issues and discussing them, as His Honorable Highness is keen to listen to different points of view, and they receive respect and appreciation from His Highness. What are the most prominent laws that the Council is currently focusing on? – Royal Order of Hon. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Majestic King of the country, regarding the extension of the sixth legislative term for an additional year, provides the opportunity for the Council to complete the discussion and research of a number of draft laws that are being studied by the Council’s committees, including draft laws related to amending articles in the laws of the identity card, traffic, real estate rent, public health, and other projects that the committees are still considering. How does the Shura Council balance the legislative dimension with the requirements of the economic reality? – In light of the rapid developments and changes that the world is witnessing, especially those related to economic conditions. And finance, legislation cannot be considered in isolation from the economic reality, and without taking into account the economic impact that results from the adoption of any legislation. We in the Shura Council pay great attention and keenness to ensuring that the legislation is implementable on the ground, and at the same time compatible with the requirements of national development in all fields, most notably the digital economy, artificial intelligence technologies, and accelerated technological transformation. We are not talking about one area or another, but rather our view of all areas is comprehensive and balanced. How can we achieve a balance between financial sustainability and protecting people with limited income? – There are many programs and initiatives provided by the government that contribute to achieving financial sustainability and promoting economic growth, and at the same time protect people with limited income, as the government provides many support programs for people with limited income according to specific segments and categories. On the legislative side, there is great care and interest from members of the legislative authority to protect people with limited income, and when we search or discuss any legislation or issue, people with limited income form the focus. The main thing in any discussion, and this is what is observed in many positions and occasions. How do you see Bahrain after ten years on the legislative and economic levels? – The Kingdom of Bahrain, thanks to the wise leadership of His Majesty the King, is moving with steadfastness and determination towards further progress, development and prosperity. There are many development and development projects that the Kingdom of Bahrain is witnessing, and they will have a great positive impact in the future, and we are not just saying after 10 years, but for the future and coming generations, and the real investment that we find in the Bahraini citizen, and the interest By developing the skills, capabilities and competencies of Bahraini youth, its fruits will appear years later, and the efforts made by the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and with the support of His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, are well known to everyone, to anticipate the future and work to harness the resources and energies that lay the foundation for a bright future for Bahrain, God willing. As for the legislative level, we are proud and proud of the legislative process extending for about 24 years, and the accumulation of experience and competencies in the field of legislative work, If we were previously talking about the democratic experience of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today we are talking about a process and an important national role played by the legislative authority, and this growing role will make it more powerful and accomplished in the coming years. What is your response to those who consider that the Shura Council is far from the daily concerns of the citizen? – The members of the Shura Council represent the entire people of Bahrain, as is the case for the members of the House of Representatives, but there are specific constitutional powers for each council. The Shura Council focuses on discussing decrees and draft laws, submitting proposals for laws, and asking questions. Written parliamentary representation for ministers and those in their position, and through this constitutional jurisdiction, the Council performs its role through members who possess experience and competencies in various specializations, and are keen to submit proposals for laws and questions based on national responsibility, and also based on their knowledge and knowledge of citizens’ concerns. How do you describe the nature of the current relationship between the Shura Council and the House of Representatives? – The relationship between the Shura Council and the House of Representatives is complementary and balanced, and there is joint coordination and cooperation at all levels, in addition to meetings at the presidential level. The two councils, members of the two councils and committees, and the two general secretariats, which mainly aim to join efforts and work in a team spirit for the benefit of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the citizens. Can it be said that the Shura Council plays the role of mediator between the House of Representatives and the government? – The Shura Council and the House of Representatives are part of the constitutional institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the government, with its various ministries, form part of these institutions, and there is no need for a mediator between these institutions, as we proceed on solid principles based on the state of law and institutions, and all These institutions work for one goal and according to fixed national foundations and pillars, and do not need any party to play the role of mediator between them. All institutions cooperate, work transparently and implement plans and programs in a way that ensures sustainable development and growth in the Kingdom of Bahrain. How do you describe the importance of consultative meetings with the executive authority? – Consultative meetings constitute an importance and necessity for getting to know viewpoints and opinions, and discussing ideas and proposals that are in the interest of the nation and the citizen. We highly value and appreciate the keenness of the government, headed by His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to continue holding consultative meetings and informing the legislative authority of developments in government work and trends regarding various issues. Consultative meetings have become an essential part of the process of cooperation and joint work between the legislative and executive authorities. There are those who believe that the Shura Council sometimes deals with some parliamentary proposals of a populist nature with reservations. How do you respond to that? – The Shura Council exercises its constitutional role, in accordance with what is stipulated in the rules and regulations, and therefore we discuss and research the issues in a comprehensive manner. Through the Council committees, draft laws are studied, and the opinions of the competent authorities related to each draft law are reviewed. Then each committee presents its report in an objective and transparent manner, and it is presented to the Council members in the plenary session, and it is voted on in a manner that reflects the conviction of the Council members, either with support or disapproval. What are your plans to activate the specific committees, such as the Women and Children Affairs Committee and the Youth Affairs Committee, during the coming period? They are important in discussing issues related to women’s and children’s affairs and their rights, as well as youth and sports affairs. These topics are studied and discussed in these two committees. They are also keen to hold meetings with various official bodies and civil society organizations, with the aim of consultation and cooperation, and to discuss mechanisms for strengthening legislation related to women and youth. The two committees are also keen to keep pace with national initiatives aimed at empowering Bahraini women, supporting youth and enhancing their participation in development and shaping the future. What are the criteria for selecting committee chairs? Do you have a role in nominating those you deem appropriate to run the committee efficiently and successfully? – The process of selecting committee chairs and their deputies takes place in accordance with what is stipulated in the Council’s internal regulations, where elections are held among the candidates to head each committee by secret ballot, after the members of each committee are approved. The election process is supervised by a committee formed by the Council office from members of the committees who are not applying to run for the position of Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Committee. How do you describe the importance of the visits that the Council receives from international parliamentary figures, as President of the Senate in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan? Sister and the President of the Moroccan Council of Councilors, in strengthening parliamentary work? – Mutual visits between parliamentary delegations, whether at the level of heads of parliaments or their representatives, constitute a necessary part in strengthening bridges of communication, coordination and cooperation, and the exchange of parliamentary experiences, in addition to their role in strengthening the ties of brotherhood and friendship that unite the Kingdom of Bahrain with the countries of the world. These visits constitute an opportunity to discuss more areas of parliamentary cooperation, and in a way that is reflected in the paths of joint work in various other fields. What is the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening The presence of the Kingdom of Bahrain at the international level, and building bridges of cooperation with national parliaments in various countries of the world? – The role of Bahraini parliamentary diplomacy is increasing in highlighting the national achievements and successes witnessed by the Kingdom of Bahrain. In fact, we are proud of the high level and high status that Bahraini parliamentary diplomacy has reached, and the efforts made by members of the Shura and Representatives Councils in deepening ties and strengthening relations with other parliaments, in addition to their notable role in presenting constructive suggestions and ideas during meetings. And parliamentary conferences, which have become a source of trust and appreciation from the parliaments of the world and all members of the two chambers. What is the most difficult situation you faced during your presidency of the Council? – Praise be to God, there are no difficult situations, as our goal is all in the interest of the nation and the citizen. How do you evaluate the role of the Shura Council in dealing with the recent regional developments and the sinful Iranian attacks, and what messages has the Council been keen to convey in this regard? – We condemn the sinful Iranian attacks on the Kingdom of Bahrain and on the Gulf states. Sisterly, whether on the local or international level, we believe that these attacks are unjustified and unacceptable. We in the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the great King of the country, call for peace and tolerance, and this is Bahrain’s message to the world. The position of the people of Bahrain was to consolidate national unity, close the national ranks, and reject everything that affects Bahrain and its capabilities. We praise the role of the Bahrain Defense Force, the National Guard and the Ministry of Interior in ensuring the security of the homeland and the citizens.
