Carbon neutral?

July 5, 2010Posted inGovernment
Dorji, commenting on my last post, GNH vs GDP: … what is surprising is that OL seem to have been engrossed in counting the repetition of GNH instead of the substance of the address itself. Dorji is right. We should pay attention to, and analyze, the substantive parts of the PM’s address. So that’s exactly what we’ll do over the next few days. Here’s the plan: I’ll pick up some issues, one at a time, and we’ll discuss them. Let’s begin with something easy: the environment. In his State of the Nation address, the PM informed the Parliament of…

Thanking His Majesty

May 28, 2010Posted inLegislature, Monarchy17 Comments
Earlier today, His Majesty the King was received in a traditional chipdrel procession to the inaugural ceremony of the fifth session of the Parliament. My statement, expressing the opposition party’s gratitude to His Majesty, is available here.

Update on fifth session

May 7, 2010Posted inLegislature
The National Assembly’s draft agenda for the fifth session of the Parliament was distributed yesterday. The Assembly will discuss the Water Bill, Financial Services Bill, Disaster Management Bill, and the Annual Budget 2010-2011. The joint sitting of the Parliament will meet to discuss and endorse the Tobacco Control Bill, RMA (Ammendment) Bill, Standards Bill, and Service Conditions Bill for Constitutional Offices. In addition, the prime minister will report on the State of the Nation. Please keep sharing your comments on these bills. And, don’t forget to check the National Assembly’s website periodically to see if new bills have been…

Giving thanks

November 20, 2009Posted inLegislature, Monarchy
This week’s banner features members of parliament, in front of the Gyalyog Tshokhang, preparing to receive His Majesty the King to the inaugural ceremony of the fourth session of the Parliament. A quick translation of my statement thanking His Majesty the King follows: …………………………………………………….............…………………………………… A series of natural disasters have ravaged our country during the past 20 months. Nature’s four elements have created calamities throughout our country, in every dzongkhag, causing immeasurable problems for our country and our people. Recently, earthquakes, windstorms and fires have inflicted damage, and caused anxiety and hardship for the people living in the eastern…

Royal address

August 2, 2009Posted inDemocracy, Monarchy
ROYAL ADDRESS AT THE CONCLUDING CEREMONY OF THE 3rd SESSION OF THE PARLIAMENT, 30 JULY 2007 On the occasion of the concluding ceremony of the 3rd session of Parliament, I congratulate the elected government of the Druk Phuensum Tshokpa on the completion of one year and four months in office. In these early days of a new political system while bearing great responsibilities you have, despite the limited resources, successfully carried out the difficult duties of government in service of the Tsawasum. The Opposition, though comprised of only two members, has through diligence and commitment, fulfilled the important duties…

Third session

June 25, 2009Posted inLegislature
The third session of the first Parliament of Bhutan begins tomorrow. His Majesty the King will grace the inaugural ceremony of the third session. And the prime minister will submit his annual report on the state of our Nation to the Druk Gyalpo and the parliament. The proceedings tomorrow will be broadcast live by BBS. As will the entire proceedings of the National Council. But the National Assembly, as of now, has not changed its decision to prevent the BBS from broadcasting most of its proceedings. I’m still working on some talking points for tomorrow. But I’m finding it…

Parliament’s second session

December 25, 2008Posted inLegislature
The second session of the Parliament started yesterday. His Majesty the King, in His Royal Address, commanded that democracy has started off well in our country, but that a lot of work also remains to be done. His Majesty the King reminded the nation that the main purpose of democracy is to further strengthen our country, and to realize the aspirations of the people. And that to achieve these goals, we must work together, as one family. On behalf of the opposition, I proposed a vote of thanks to offer our deep gratitude to His Majesty the King for…