Doha, Qatar: Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed that the Council, as the State of Qatar’s legislative authority, attaches great importance to developing the country’s legislative framework in accordance with established constitutional principles.
He noted that, in this context, and in implementation of the wise directives of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Council places development sectors at the core of its priorities, while taking into account the aspirations of society and the priorities of the current phase.
In an exclusive interview with QNA marking the opening of the second session of the second legislative term, which corresponds to the 55th annual session taking place today, he said that the Council is deeply committed to conducting exhaustive studies of draft laws from all perspectives, debating them within the Tamim bin Hamad Hall, and ensuring their alignment with development requirements and the best interests of the citizens.
Speaker of the Shura Council explained that by inviting and consulting with subject-matter experts, and by clarifying all issues related to the projects submitted to the Council by relevant entities, a clear picture emerges for the Council that empowers it to make decisions that achieve its objectives and reflect the views of its members.
He emphasised that the content of the speeches delivered by H H the Amir at the opening of the Shura Council’s legislative sessions serves as a guiding framework for the Council’s work, providing a source of inspiration for its vision, priorities, and the requirements of the current phase.
He noted that these speeches consistently offer political directives regarding both domestic and foreign affairs, while highlighting the country’s current reality and the progress achieved in realising comprehensive development; he affirmed that the Shura Council regards these insights as a guiding light and a cornerstone for its operations.
The Speaker highlighted that the Council’s role supports and complements that of the executive branch, and that it plays a key part in implementing strategic plans and Qatar National Vision 2030, in accordance with its constitutionally mandated role.
The Speaker explained that the legislative process undertaken by the Shura Council involves several stages, all characterised by full cooperation between the legislative and executive branches in the service of development goals.
He noted that the Council, in performing its legislative and oversight roles, is guided by the provisions of the country’s Constitution and the supreme interests of the State. He added that the Council translates societal aspirations into fruitful discussions that ultimately lead to decisions strengthening the State’s legislative framework, in accordance with the foundations established by Qatar National Vision 2030.
In response to a question regarding his assessment of the Shura Council’s journey and the trust it has earned among citizens, His Excellency added that this journey, spanning more than 50 years, clearly reflects the approach of the wise leadership, dating back to the era of the founding fathers.
The Speaker of the Shura Council emphasised that H H the Amir has not only continued this approach but has also established even more solid and enduring foundations for the Council. This aligns with the requirements of the current phase and political experience, while preserving the cohesion of society.
The responsibility rests with members of the Shura Council to translate these visions and directives into tangible reality, he added. This is what the Shura Council’s distinguished journey has witnessed, and there is a strive to preserve this legacy by responding to the aspirations of the citizens and realizing the supreme interest of the country, under the wise leadership of His Highness.
He highlighted the Council’s keen interest in issues of importance to society, foremost among them those concerning its culture, identity, and adherence to its faith, and how this is reflected in the reality of Qatari society, which remains deeply rooted in its fundamental values and identity.
The Speaker stated that, within this framework, the Council discussed a number of issues concerning identity, the family, upbringing, the care of the elderly, and child protection, thereby reflecting the aspirations of society. He emphasised that these discussions yielded positive outcomes, whether in the form of motions, amendments to draft laws, or the submission of legislative proposals.
Regarding the assessment of legislative achievements during the previous session, the Speaker explained that through 37 ordinary sessions and 81 committee meetings held during the session, the Council reviewed and approved 23 draft laws referred by the esteemed government and submitted a legislative proposal on digital child protection, prompted by the rapid global expansion in children’s use of digital platforms and technologies, and the accompanying challenges and risks, such as data privacy concerns, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation, which necessitate the development of legislative frameworks to enhance child protection in the digital environment and keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
