Urgency decree-laws discussed

Manama, Oct.29 (BNA): The urgency decree-laws issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa were on the agenda of a meeting which brought together the executive and legislative branches of government. The Council of Representatives hosted the joint session to shed light on the reasons underlying the promulgation of the urgency decree-laws before their referral to the legislative authority to be scrutinized. Speaker Ahmed bin Ibrahim Al-Mulla commended the Government for convening the meeting to update Shura Council members and MPs on the reasons underlying the issuance of urgency decree-laws. He affirmed the stance of the legislative authority in support of the wise leadership, backing all measures to alleviate Bahrain’s financial burdens resulting from plummeting oil prices in international markets. Representing the Government side, Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, said that the meeting followed directives from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. Information, Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi shed light on fifteen urgency decree-laws which were issues in light of the current financial situation. He stressed the importance of the move that bolsters national legislations which would further consolidate Bahrain’s economic environment, avert duplication in government work, boost productivity and reduce spending. He pointed out that some urgency decree-laws stipulated a merger of certain government departments to reduce spending. Other urgency decree-laws concern the judiciary, the economy and the pension premiums and benefits.