Bhutan’s Parliament convened its Fifth Session of the Fourth Parliament yesterday in a ceremony marked by royal presence, national reflection, and renewed focus on legislative priorities for the year ahead.
His Majesty The King attended the opening ceremony and was welcomed with a traditional Chibdrel procession. Senior leaders, including Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Speaker of the National Assembly Lungten Dorji, National Council Chairperson Sangay Dorji, Opposition Leader Pema Chewang, and Members of Parliament received His Majesty on arrival.
Addressing the inaugural sitting, National Assembly Speaker Lungten Dorji expressed the gratitude of Parliament for His Majesty’s presence despite the demands of numerous national engagements. He said the King’s participation underscored the enduring importance of parliamentary democracy and national unity.
The ceremony also highlighted Bhutan’s close ties with India. The Speaker welcomed a visiting Indian parliamentary delegation led by Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, describing the visit as another step in strengthening the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two neighbours.
Parliament further extended congratulations to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen following their recognition by the World Monuments Fund, which formally presented Them with the 2025 Hadrian Award for Their efforts in safeguarding Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Much of the Speaker’s address focused on His Majesty’s vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which he described as a transformative national initiative rooted in Bhutanese values and spiritual identity. He noted that religious projects launched under Royal Command would reinforce the country’s spiritual foundations while contributing to broader national development goals.
Referring to a Royal Decree issued on 18 May 2025, the Speaker said eight major religious projects had been initiated at Simtokha Dzong as part of efforts to strengthen Bhutan as a centre of Vajrayana Buddhism. Among the projects already underway are the Ugyen Norlha Lhakhang, the Buddhanath Stupa, and Ugyen Samyeling, all of which have begun through ceremonial groundbreaking events.
The Speaker also said the GMC initiative has become a unifying national movement, drawing participation from citizens across different sectors and communities. He noted that members of the Royal Family, including His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, and Their Royal Highnesses, have personally joined voluntary service activities connected to the project, inspiring public participation and drawing international admiration.
Parliamentarians additionally acknowledged His Majesty’s continued emphasis on youth development through programmes such as De-Suung, Gyalsung, and Pelsung. Appreciation was also expressed for the continued granting of land kidu and citizenship benefits to people across the country.
The summer session is expected to deliberate on several major pieces of legislation, including the Budget Appropriation Bill for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, the Insolvency and Rehabilitation Bill, and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill. Lawmakers will also discuss the Annual Audit Report and the Prime Minister’s annual State of the Nation report during the joint sitting.
Following the opening ceremony, the National Council commenced its 37th session later in the afternoon. Over the coming month, members of the upper house will review eight bills, two agreements, and one convention, alongside several institutional and follow-up reports.
Key legislative discussions are expected on the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, the Renewable Energy Tax Exemption Bill, the Livestock Bill, and the Cooperatives and Farmer Groups Bill. Members will also examine reports concerning the National Pension and Provident Fund as well as the development of satellite towns in Bhutan.
Deliberations in the National Council are scheduled to begin today with discussions on the implementation status of resolutions adopted during the previous session.
