National Assembly convenes special session to discuss state’s general budget

The session included a review of the first report from the Budget Committee on a draft law aimed at linking the budgets of ministries and government departments for the fiscal year 2023/2024. Additionally, the Minister of Finance provided insights on the economic and financial monetary conditions for the upcoming fiscal year, reports Al Jarida Daily.

The second report focused on draft laws connecting the budgets of 23 attached bodies for the fiscal year 2023/2024, while the third report covered 17 draft laws linking the budgets of independent entities for the same period. Moreover, the fourth report outlined draft laws approving the final accounts of five independent entities for the fiscal year 2021/2022.

During the session, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Oil, Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, and Acting Minister of Finance, Dr. Saad Al-Barrak, emphasized that the amended health insurance law for retirees, known as “Afia,” was allocated 181.283 million dinars for new categories. The National Assembly had approved this amendment on July 13.

Al-Barrak acknowledged the importance of the observations and opinions raised by deputies, expressing the government’s commitment to incorporate them into its work program. He recognized that addressing past budget gaps might not be feasible in the current budget but stressed the government’s dedication to implementing necessary reforms.

One of the areas under consideration is the reformation of wage and salary imbalances, with Al-Barrak emphasizing the government’s commitment to fairness and efficiency in this regard. He also highlighted the need to address the proliferation of independent bodies and attachments in the government since 2010, aiming to curb wasteful spending without affecting citizens’ livelihoods.

He referred to the government’s work on this matter through its economic vision based on the development and diversification of non-oil revenues in accordance with the vision of (New Kuwait 2035), pointing to the government’s ambition to create more than 250,000 jobs for youth over the next 15 years.

In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs, Isa Al-Kandari, assured the National Assembly representatives that the government is attentively considering their remarks. He reiterated the government’s determination to continue political, economic, and administrative reforms, as well as the fight against corruption.

The session provided a vital platform for discussions and deliberations on the state’s budgetary matters, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and citizen welfare.