Kuwait’s Emir dissolves parliament and suspends some constitutional articles

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah has issued a decree dissolving parliament and suspending some articles of the constitution for “a maximum period of four years” after weeks of political tension following recent elections.

“We have ordered the dissolution of the National Assembly and the suspension of some articles of the constitution for a period not exceeding four years,” the emir said in a televised address on Friday evening.

“The recent unrest in Kuwait’s political scene has reached a stage where we can no longer remain silent. Therefore, we must take all necessary measures to ensure the well-being of the country and its people.”

Last month the Gulf state held its fourth election in as many years, with 39 of the previous parliament’s 46 MPs retaining their seats.

During the suspension of the constitutional articles, all aspects of the democratic process would be examined, the emir said.

The powers of the National Assembly will be assumed by the country’s emir and cabinet, state television reported.

“Kuwait has been going through difficult times recently… which leaves no room for hesitation or delay in making the difficult decision to save the country and protect its highest interests,” the emir added.

Kuwait’s constitution requires a new government to be formed within two weeks of an election. Since the April 4 election, tension between the elected parliament and the appointed prime minister has brought such formation to a halt.

Sheikh Meshal appointed Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah as prime minister on April 15 and tasked him with forming a new government.

Sheikh Meshal, who succeeded his half-brother in December, dissolved the last parliament after a lawmaker used language deemed unconstitutional and parliament refused to censure him.

After the speech, Kuwaiti analyst Bader Al Saif described the move as historic.

“The Emir gave a rather lengthy speech in which he presented his view of Kuwait’s ‘negative reality’ – a stark reality given Kuwait’s chronic decline in various areas,” Mr Al Saif wrote on X.

“He placed blame on the legislative and executive branches and detailed what he believed were the violations of both agencies.”

Kuwait has been gripped by domestic political disputes for years. Reforming the country’s welfare system has been a major point of contention and has prevented the government from running into debt.

This has left the country with little left to pay excessive public sector salaries, even though it generates great wealth from its oil reserves.

Updated: May 10, 2024, 7:23 p.m