The Ruler of Kuwait is tired of the government.
Kuwait's parliament is more influential than any other Gulf nation's. However, it seems to be too strong for the emir. "We have encountered persistent problems that are unbearable," the emir states. Consequently, he has decided to act.
Not long after Kuwait's parliamentary elections, the ruling emir, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, has disbanded the parliament in this Gulf country. According to the state news agency Kuna, the emir released an order to discontinue the National Assembly and partially suspend certain constitutional provisions for a maximum duration of four years. As a result, the emir and the Council of Ministers would assume the duties of the National Assembly.
The emir defended his decision by citing the interference of specific MPs in his powers as well as the conditions of other parliamentarians concerning the establishment of the government. "We have encountered challenging issues that are intolerable," al-Sabah declared in a televised speech.
The just-elected parliament was scheduled to convene for the first time on Monday. However, several MPs refused to participate in the administration. As per the Kuwaiti constitution, at least one MP ought to hold a ministerial position until the government is constituted. Nevertheless, the designated prime minister was unable to persuade one of the MPs to join the government.
In Kuwait, a nation with 4.5 million residents, the ruling al-Sabah family maintains the majority of power. In 1962, Kuwait became the first Arab Gulf state to implement a parliamentary system; its citizens' representatives wielded more authority in the country than elsewhere in the Gulf. Since 2005, Kuwaiti women have had the privilege to cast votes and run for legislative positions. Yet, government matters have been repeatedly marred by political disagreements between chosen MPs and ministers picked by the palace.
Kuwait, which encompasses a modest region, possesses approximately 7% of the world's oil reserves, leading to abundant wealth over the last few decades. In contrast to its neighbors like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait's political turmoil has led to a considerable delay in the implementation of reforms and massive building projects. Persistent budget deficits and a shortfall of foreign investment have intensified Kuwait's difficulties.
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The disbanding of Kuwait's parliament by the emir has raised questions about the country's commitment to democracy within the Gulf States. Despite having significant oil reserves, Kuwait's political instability has hindered its progress in implementing reforms and major projects, unlike its neighbors.
Source: www.ntv.de
