Qatari Newspapers Editorials -1-

In an editorial by the editor-in-chief, Al-Raya newspaper said that transparency, accountability, and responsibility are the key themes of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s speech at the inauguration of the fourth ordinary session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the Shura Councils 53rd annual session.

The newspaper added that HH the Amir’s speech emphasized the importance of national unity, which is the source of our strength. It is this emphasis on unity that prompted His Highness to assign the Cabinet to prepare the necessary legal amendments – including constitutionally-based legislations – to promote equal citizenship and to refer them to the Shura Council.

Al-Raya highlighted His Highness’ emphasis on the participation of all citizens in building the edifice of national unity, establishing equal citizenship, and enhancing popular participation in public affairs, adding that constitutional amendments would be subject to a public referendum.

Al-Raya noted the comprehensive ov
erview provided by His Highness in his speech regarding the achievements that reflect the strength of the Qatari economy, pointing out estimates indicating a 1.2% growth in GDP at constant prices, and a 2% growth rate in the local economy by the end of the current year, in addition to a decrease in the inflation rate and a reduction in public debt from nearly 73% of GDP in 2020 to below 44% by the end of 2023.

The newspaper explained that in His Highness the Amirs speech, he focused on Qatar’s steadfast positions on many regional and international issues, foremost among them Qatar’s commitment to promoting integration and joint action among Gulf countries to meet the aspirations of the peoples. His Highness also emphasized Qatars approach of dialogue and preventive diplomacy, supporting political solutions and peaceful dispute resolution, and undertaking mediation whenever possible, which requires the necessary flexibility to perform this role.

Al-Raya concluded by affirming that HH the Amir’s speech engage
d with national themes and messages, reflecting the continued determination and will to strengthen unity and ensure equal citizenship in rights and duties, prioritizing the public interest of the nation above all considerations.

In its editorial, Al-Watan newspaper said that the speech of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, at the inauguration of the fourth ordinary session of the first legislative term, corresponding to the Shura Councils 53rd annual session, lays the foundation for a new phase focused on enhancing the values of justice and equality.

The newspaper added that the constitutional and legislative amendments serve two purposes: ensuring the unity of the people on one hand, and equal citizenship in rights and duties on the other.

Al-Watan concluded its editorial by highlighting His Highness’ clarification that the relationship between the people and the government in Qatar is a direct civic relationship, with established customs and mechanisms for direct communication between the peopl
e and the government. The members of the Shura Council were only appointed or elected to debate laws and actions of the executive authority with impartiality and without ulterior or parochial interests; they have done this fully, and this will not change by altering the mechanism of selecting the members of the council.

In turn, the Peninsula newspaper said in its editorial that one of the core issues addressed by HH the Amir in his speech at the Shura Council was that making thoughtful change is a reliable way to develop peoples interests, meet their aspirations and realize them.

Legislative bodies must undergo regular assessments to ensure they are fulfilling their functions effectively, the newspaper said, noting that this involves evaluating their performance, outcomes, and both the positive and negative aspects of their work.

It added that HH the Amir assured that the Cabinet has finalised draft constitutional and legislative amendments on the permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar which serves
as the legal parameter of these ambitions and interests.

The newspaper noted that HH the Amir considered these amendments fullfil the supreme interest of the state and promote the values of justice and equality in rights and duties among the society, adding that amendments will be referred to the council for debates and approval then will be put up to a popular referendum.

The Peninsula concluded by stressing that with this measure, HH the Amir reassured that nation-building involves the creation of a cohesive identity, the protection of human rights, and the establishment of a legal framework that promotes peace and justice.

Source: Qatar News Agency