Kuwait’s Emir appoints Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al Sabah as Prime Minister Kuwait News

Kuwait’s emir appointed Ahmed Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the new prime minister on Monday, according to state news agency KUNA. The decision follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in April, shortly after being named to form the government. Sheikh Ahmed’s appointment followed the election of a new parliament, the fourth since December 2020.

According to KUNA, Sheikh Ahmed, born in 1952, has an extensive background in finance and government. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus on Finance (Banking and Investments) from the University of Illinois in 1976. His career has included positions at the Finance Center of Kuwait and the Central Bank of Kuwait. He later served as Chairman of the Board of Bergen Bank before holding various ministerial roles including Minister of Finance, Minister of Communications, Minister of Planning, Minister of State for Administrative Affairs, Minister of Health and Minister of Oil.

“His Highness the Amir entrusted Sheikh Ahmed with the task of forming a government and presenting his names for the appointment of ministers in the Amir Order,” Kuna said.

Kuwait, an OPEC producer, operates under a political system that prohibits political parties. However, it maintains a relatively open political environment compared to other Gulf states, with the emir having final authority in state affairs.

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Kuwait’s political instability and frequent elections

Earlier this month, Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah formed a new government, including the ministers of oil, finance, foreign affairs, interior and defense. The move came after Sheikh Meshaal took over the role of emir following the death of his brother Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad in December. News agency Reuters reported that Sheikh Meshaal dissolved Parliament on February 15, citing the assembly’s “violation of constitutional principles” as the reason for the dissolution.

Despite Kuwait’s ban on political parties, its legislature holds significant influence, with the power to pass and block laws, question ministers, and submit motions of no confidence. However, frequent political deadlocks resulting in numerous cabinet reshuffles and parliament dissolutions often hinder the policy-making process, although the emir retains ultimate authority.

In the absence of political parties, candidates contest Kuwaiti elections as individuals regardless of their political ideologies. Although this system grants significant powers to the Parliament, political gridlock has historically plagued the country, creating administrative challenges.

Kuwait, a country of about 4.2 million people, boasts the world’s sixth-largest oil reserves, making it a key player in the global energy landscape, according to news agency AP. Despite being small in size, Kuwait holds immense geopolitical importance, especially due to its strategic alliance with the United States.

Since the expulsion of Iraqi forces led by Saddam Hussein during the 1991 Gulf War, Kuwait has remained a staunch ally of the United States. Currently, the country hosts about 13,500 US troops, along with the forward headquarters of US forces in the Middle East.