𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐌’𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

…𝑫𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒐 𝑷𝒆𝒎𝒂 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔

By Sonam Choki

In a testament to the healthy and positive approach of democratic governance, Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay’s initiative to engage with Opposition Leader Dasho Pema Chewang and members of the opposition party reflects a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration essential for Bhutan’s progress. The meeting, held on March 31, 2024, centered on briefing the opposition on the updates of the 13th Five Year Plan (13FYP) and the government’s ongoing activities.

Opposition Leader Dasho Pema Chewang, expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s briefing on the ongoing updates of the 13th Five Year Plan (13FYP). The dialogue highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and the opposition for effective governance and national development.

Dasho Pema Chewang commended the Prime Minister’s inclusive approach, stating that it showcased a commendable spirit of cooperative governance. He noted that the briefing was comprehensive and insightful, covering critical issues facing the nation. The Opposition Leader highlighted the need for open and continuous dialogue, mutual respect, and prioritization of national interests above partisan politics to achieve effective collaboration.

Regarding specific areas of the 13FYP needing attention or improvement, Dasho Pema Chewang mentioned the importance of detailed discussions and input from the opposition once the plan is shared in detail. He emphasized the early signs of potential unity between the government and the opposition, highlighting constructive engagement and a willingness to explore common ground on national issues.

When asked about concerns or critiques regarding the government’s approach to implementing the 13FYP, Dasho Pema Chewang expressed hope for reasonable implementation aligned with the plan’s objectives and highlighted the opposition’s willingness to collaborate for national development.

In terms of priorities for collaboration, Dasho Pema Chewang stated that while there are no set priorities, the opposition is ready to contribute with constructive criticism, alternative policy suggestions, legislative support, oversight, and accountability checks.

Dasho Pema Chewang thanked the government for collaboration efforts and reiterated the opposition’s commitment to supporting national endeavors. He emphasized the importance of viewing differing viewpoints as strengths for the collective good of the country and thanked the public for their understanding and support.

As Bhutan moves forward with its national development agenda, the collaborative efforts between the government and the opposition, as highlighted in the dialogue between Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Opposition Leader Dasho Pema Chewang, signify a promising path towards constructive politics and collective advancement. This dialogue serves as a beacon of hope for a democratic system built on dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the nation’s well-being.