The upcoming 2025-2026 national budget in Bahrain is facing a complex financial landscape, according to MP Mohammed Al Ahmed, a member of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. The budget aims to achieve financial equilibrium by the end of 2026 while also addressing citizens’ living standards, especially in light of rising costs. Al Ahmed revealed that there is a group of MPs advocating for the discontinuation of the meat allowance for high-income earners to redirect those funds to low-income individuals who need them the most.
It is essential that careful consideration and extensive analysis are conducted to strike a balance between achieving financial equilibrium and improving citizens’ living standards. Al Ahmed expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to agreements between legislative and executive branches, noting that ministers are actively overseeing their ministries to alleviate pressure on MPs. He emphasized the need for a strategic approach to ensure tangible improvements for the population.
In an interview with Alayam, Al Ahmed anticipated that project allocations and direct support will remain consistent in the upcoming budget. He acknowledged the constraints on significantly increasing support allocations but advocated for a restructuring of subsidies with a slight increase while primarily directing the funds towards low-income citizens. He also discussed the Joint executive-legislature committee’s proposal to double the government’s direct subsidy budget, deeming it unrealistic but acknowledging the significance of any gain for a large segment of the population.
During his tenure as chairman of the committee, Al Ahmed highlighted the cooperation between the legislative and executive branches to improve citizens’ living standards in the 2023-2024 national budget. He noted the achievements in increasing allowances for retirees and employees, as well as allocating funds to the ‘Tamkeen’ Labour Fund for employment and training programmes. Despite the financial challenges facing Bahrain and the region, significant progress was made in enhancing the quality of life for citizens through collaboration and understanding between the two branches.
Al Ahmed stressed the importance of MPs understanding the current circumstances and working towards finding a balanced approach between raising the standard of living and maintaining financial stability. The government is navigating economic challenges while striving to improve the lives of its citizens. Achieving financial equilibrium is a key priority, and the roadmap aims to reach this goal by the end of 2026, taking into account local, regional, and international commitments.
In conclusion, the upcoming national budget in Bahrain faces several challenges, including achieving financial equilibrium and improving citizens’ living standards. MPs like Mohammed Al Ahmed are advocating for strategic allocation of funds, focusing on supporting low-income individuals and restructuring subsidies to maximize benefits. Collaboration between legislative and executive branches is crucial in achieving tangible progress in enhancing the quality of life for Bahraini citizens amidst financial constraints and economic challenges.
