BD500 million relief fund for citizens proposed to ease rising costs of living

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: mail@newsobahrain.com

With rising debt and living costs creeping up, the Parliament is considering a BD500 million relief plan to help households manage their expenses. MP Khalid Buanaq warns that without action, many families may soon struggle to “put food on the table”. He points to flat wages and soaring bills as a “ticking time bomb” for the country.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Buanaq said, “Low pay poses a real threat, especially given that wages have stayed the same over the past decade”.

Joblessness

He expressed his duty to voice the concerns of his area and the country as a whole, particularly as joblessness rises. At the core of Buanaq’s plan is securing this fund within Bahrain’s 2025-2026 budget to ease the strain on citizens. His proposal includes using part of the public debt — now at BD18 billion — to provide support.

Social benefits

This would involve raising social benefits for those most in need, offering direct cash support to help low-income families, and increasing assistance with utility costs such as electricity and water. Buanaq’s approach aims to target support where it’s needed most, bridging gaps and building a stronger community.

He is also advocating for better pay and bonuses in the public sector to bring workers more security and motivation.

Expanding public sector roles, he believes, would help reduce joblessness and boost local demand. He views this BD500 million fund as a genuine means to improve living standards for Bahrainis, providing a clear path to enhance everyday life.

Social stability

He argues that such spending would reinforce social stability and encourage a shared sense of well-being, making a better quality of life more achievable. Buanaq said that this plan aligns well with government goals and should be a priority in the upcoming budget, paving the way for a more prosperous and stable Bahrain.