Amir of Qatar Announces Upcoming Referendum on Constitutional Changes

15/10/2024

DOHA, Oct 15: Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani announced that the Cabinet has finalized draft constitutional and legislative amendments, which will soon be put to a popular referendum after receiving approval from the Shura Council. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the fourth ordinary session of the first legislative term, marking the 53rd annual session of the Shura Council.

In his address, Sheikh Tamim stated that the draft includes a return to the system of appointing members to the Shura Council. The amendments will be referred to the council for review before being presented to the Council of Ministers, in line with constitutional provisions. The Amir urged all citizens to actively participate in the upcoming referendum.

On environmental matters, Sheikh Tamim highlighted Qatar’s launch of the region’s first sovereign green financing framework and its issuance of government green bonds in global markets. He reiterated Qatar's commitment to its environmental pledges and sustainable development goals.

Discussing Qatar's role in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Sheikh Tamim emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with GCC countries. As president of the current GCC session, Qatar has worked diligently with regional leaders to promote joint action and cooperation.

The Amir reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause remains central to Qatar’s foreign policy, condemning the ongoing Israeli aggression. He called on the international community to take decisive action against Israeli occupation forces and advocated for humanitarian aid access, ceasefires, and the release of prisoners. He noted that Qatar has successfully brokered a truce agreement in Palestine, implemented last November.

Turning to Lebanon, Sheikh Tamim condemned the airstrikes and military operations by Israeli occupation forces that have caused widespread civilian casualties and displacement. He urged an end to the conflict and called for the enforcement of international resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 1701 of 2006, to de-escalate tensions.

Regarding Qatar’s domestic economy, the Amir acknowledged an anticipated decline in growth between 2022 and 2023 but highlighted the resilience of the local economy, which grew by 1.2% in 2023. The hydrocarbon sector expanded by 1.4%, while the non-hydrocarbon sector grew by 1.1%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts a 2% growth rate for Qatar by the end of 2023, with an anticipated annual growth of 4.1% during the medium term (2025-2029).

Inflation has steadily declined, reaching 1.4% by July 2023, down from 5% in 2022. The IMF expects inflation to stabilize at 2% in the medium term. The Amir also noted Qatar’s progress in reducing public debt from 73% of GDP in 2020 to less than 44% by the end of 2023.

Sheikh Tamim also spoke about ongoing support for the private sector, highlighting initiatives by the Qatar Development Bank, private agricultural partnerships, and the real estate sector’s development strategy, including the launch of Qatar's real estate platform. (KUNA)