Kuwait has entered a new political phase following the historic decisions made by His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, on May 10, 2024. These decisions involve the dissolution of the Parliament, suspension of certain constitutional articles for a maximum period of four years, and the establishment of a new cabinet led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah. The new government will oversee the forthcoming political phase under the direct supervision and control of the Amir.
Decisions and Motives
In a televised speech on the evening of May 10, the Amir of Kuwait announced a series of key decisions tackling the crux of the country's long-standing political crisis. These decisions included dissolving the National Assembly and suspending several constitutional articles, specifically articles 51, 56 (paragraphs two and three), 71 (paragraph two), 79, 107, 174, and 181, which were issued on November 11, 1962. The Amir and the Council of Ministers will assume the powers previously held by the National Assembly, and laws will be enacted through draft decrees and Amiri orders as necessary. Additionally, the Amir of Kuwait announced the formation of an expert committee to study constitutional revision, with the aim of completing its work within six months of its establishment. His Highness explained the reasons and justifications behind these new steps. These include:
The persistence of certain members of the National Assembly in interfering with the Amir's powers and constitutional rights. This interference extends to the Amir's right to choose the Crown Prince and form the government. Additionally, some members have attempted to impose conditions on participation in the government, which has hindered the formation of the government, paralyzed parliamentary life, and limited the National Assembly's ability to fulfill its duties.
The widespread corruption in various state institutions, including security and economic institutions. According to the Amir, corruption has even infiltrated the justice system, which is meant to safeguard the people's rights and freedoms.
The Amir of Kuwait further emphasized that he is committed to prioritizing the interests of the Kuwaiti people and will not permit democracy to be exploited to undermine the state. This position is backed by the following facts:
1- The practices of some National Assembly members have led to continuous tension between the Council and successive governments in Kuwait. This has resulted in short-lived administrations and parliaments, indicating a high level of political instability in the country. Unfortunately, this instability hinders the implementation of policies that are designed to serve the nation and its citizens.
Over the past four decades, the Amir of Kuwait has been required to dissolve the National Assembly 12 times. The first dissolution occurred in 1976, and the most recent one took place in mid-February 2024, marking the Council's 13th dissolution. Furthermore, Kuwait's political history has witnessed the establishment of 46 governments in the last 62 years. The first government took office in January 1962, while the most recent one began its term in May 2024. These figures clearly demonstrate that the average lifespan of a government in Kuwait is less than two years.
One of the main issues contributing to this political instability is the National Assembly's overuse of the tool of interpellation. Assembly members consistently intimidate government ministers, creating a hostile environment. In response, ministers have been hesitant to participate in governments that are short-lived and heavily dependent on Parliament. This situation has created an unstable political climate, causing uncertainty in government activities and preventing ministers from effectively implementing programs in their respective domains. In an attempt to address this long-standing political dilemma, the recent Amiri intervention aimed to bring about a resolution.
2- The ongoing political tension between the National Assembly and successive governments has had a detrimental impact on the country's development path. This tension has hindered the progress of numerous crucial development projects, causing Kuwait to lag behind its Gulf counterparts in terms of development. Many Kuwaitis hold the National Assembly accountable for obstructing the country's financial and economic interests. It is argued that the Parliament has been impeding the approval of draft laws aimed at implementing reforms that would diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. For example, some parliamentarians' stance has contributed to the delay in enacting legislation to reform subsidies and curb soaring public spending. Since 2017, Kuwait has been unable to issue sovereign bonds due to the absence of an updated Public Debt Law. A report released on May 9, following a visit by International Monetary Fund (IMF) experts, highlighted that Kuwait's political gridlock has hindered economic reform and diversification efforts. The IMF warned that continued delays in reforms could undermine investor confidence.
3- The practices of certain National Assembly members have hindered the government's efforts to combat corruption in Kuwait. As a result, Kuwait ranks 63rd out of 180 countries in the Transparency International's 2023 Corruption Perception Index, highlighting the widespread corruption within the country's institutions. Addressing this issue, the Amir of Kuwait has emphasized that no one is exempt from the law. Regardless of their position or status, those who have misappropriated public funds will face the consequences.
A New Era
On May 12, 2024, His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issued a decree forming the ninth government in the country within four years, and the second in his reign since taking power last December.
The new government, comprising 13 ministers, is headed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The government includes nine ministers from the previous administration and four new ministers, including one woman, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social, Family, and Childhood Affairs, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs. This brings the total number of female ministers in the government to two, with Dr. Nora Al-Mashan retaining the position of Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs.
Locally, he urged the government to identify its priorities in a specific action plan with a defined timeframe, focusing on "following up on the field through continuous inspection tours." Additionally, he instructed ministers to expedite the implementation of strategic development projects and address infrastructure files. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to develop the healthcare, housing, and education sectors while adhering to "transparency and preserving public funds." The Amir also called for the development of all economic and investment sectors to lead to a sustainable economy and investment in human capital. Moreover, he highlighted the importance of strengthening innovation and scientific research, improving the business environment and government services, and achieving digital transformation. Internationally, the Amir stressed the importance of working on files that would strengthen diplomatic relations with friendly countries and consolidate the country's humanitarian role.
Through these clear and direct orders, it is evident that the Amir of Kuwait and the current government will prioritize revitalizing the economy. This focus is crucial for advancing the country's development, especially considering the 0.6% negative growth recorded in 2023 and the IMF's projection of a 1.4% slowdown in the Kuwaiti economy for 2024 due to a 4.3% decline in oil production, a result of cuts by "OPEC Plus."
These measures will also instill greater optimism that the current Kuwaiti government will steer the country towards economic growth, elevate living standards for all citizens, and transition to a more sustainable phase by reducing reliance on oil and mitigating its associated price fluctuations.
On the political front, the landscape is expected to be increasingly stable and harmonious, buoyed by widespread public endorsement of the recent policy changes. The nation's reevaluation of the National Assembly's authority and its involvement in the political process will empower the government to effectively carry out its oversight and legislative duties in the best interest of the country, heralding a new era in Kuwait's political trajectory.
