As the new year begins, citizens look forward to indicators of change, progress and development that can positively affect their daily lives.
Recent political shifts including cabinet changes and parliamentary elections have set the ground for a new and young Bahrain that can meet the aspirations of its people.
Economic challenges, unemployment and standard of living tend to be at the forefront of citizens priorities. Despite the existence of challenges, many steps have been taken by Bahrain to revitalize the economy and improve political and socio-economic standards.
These steps include the economic recovery plan, a higher level of government transparency and a younger energetic generation in the public service. Here’s a look at what Bahrainis expect in 2023:
“We expect positive change”
“Positive change. We want positive change and we expect positive change. The kind of change that makes Bahrainis feel like they can afford a better life. Nothing else can make the people happy” Manal 32
“A better standard of living is what most of us expect. The economic challenges have had a toll on us. Everyone can set their ideological differences aside once they can afford a better living” Ahmed 29
“In the last few years we seemed to always be going from one economic crisis to the next. Finally, we have a stable economic situation and high oil prices. I hope that this means that in 2023 we will move forward and living standards will improve” Khalid 36
“Parliament should meet the expectations of the people. MPs should raise our concerns and solve our problems rather than just endlessly debate over issues. It is a new parliament and they have a chance to prove their capabilities this year” Fatima 28
“A culture of independence is required”
“We need to see more happening in Bahrain. During the past few months, the country felt very much alive with so many events following the covid period. I hope this continues this year” Hamad 30
“Bahrain should seriously focus on amending the educational system. So many social issues and challenges are coming to rise. The weakness of our educational system to keep up with these changes and building awareness among children and youth is where work is needed” Salman 40
“We need more active civil society”
“We should become less dependent on the government. A culture of independence is required in Bahrain. Citizens depend on the government for each and everything and this isn’t helpful” Ali 34
“Civil society activity seems weak and fragile. The work of civil society is very important in a country’s development process. We need more active civil society organisations and we need to support them as citizens” Sara 38
“It is expected that Bahrain should keep moving forward this year. The country did very well last year on all levels, and this should keep going. There are no indicators that we will be lacking behind in 2023” Abdullah 32
“People should stop complaining”
“Many sectors have done excellent work during the past year. In some sectors the productivity and professionalism level are well noticed, and we hope that in 2023, we keep building on that as a nation” Mariam 32
“I hope the government does not increase taxes. If they want to impose taxes, then taxes should be imposed on businesses and not individuals” Hassan 34
“People should stop complaining and start being more realistic about the country, its resources and the challenges it faces. Change is a long process and this year is just another step towards progress” Yousif 28
“The government should realise in 2023 that it is pressuring citizens. Inflation, increased fees for services, taxes etc. There is only so much a citizen can take. It is a known fact that salaries are relatively low in Bahrain, hence we cannot take this pressure” Reem 37
“Officials should stop making imaginary statements about our successes or downplaying issues such as unemployment. If citizens are expected to be realistic then a certain level of transparency and a realistic approach is expected from some officials” Mahmood 37
“Some institutions are heavily criticized for remaining to be led by incompetent individuals and their lack to get their job done. We hope that change swipes through these institutions too as we have seen the positive change resulted from the cabinet changes earlier in 2022” Amal 36
“Some form of dialogue or negotiation needs to be started with the political opposition. Concessions need to be made by both sides, the government and the opposition in order for the country to move forward. Some communities still feel isolated and this does not help the nation’s development” Ebrahim 42
“There is some hope that by now the opposition realises the reality of the situation and how much it has lost by choosing to isolate itself. They should become a part of the process and should give credit to the level of change created in the country spearheaded by the Crown Prince” Noor 30