Kuwait’s emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved the parliament on Friday (May 10) and has taken some of its tasks upon himself, reported the country’s state media. The move comes weeks after the tiny nation along the Persian Gulf held its elections.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the emir say?</h2>

In a televised speech on Friday, the emir said he has also suspended several articles of the constitution and that the suspension may remain for a “period of no more than four years,” without elaborating.&nbsp;

Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, and the royal-appointed cabinet will assume some powers of the 50-member National Assembly, he said.&nbsp;

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“The unhealthy atmosphere experienced by Kuwait in previous years has encouraged the spread of corruption to reach most state facilities, and unfortunately it reached the security and economic institutions,” said the ruler, adding that “it has even affected the justice system”.

“We have faced difficulties and obstacles that cannot be tolerated,” said the Emir.&nbsp;

<h2>About the elections last month</h2>

Last month’s elections were the first to be held under Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah who came to power last December after the death of his half-brother and predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

The country, which is home to 4.2 million people and is also one of the wealthiest in the world on a per capita basis, is typically seen as one of the more democratic Gulf monarchies as elected officials also hold some real power.&nbsp;

However, Kuwait has reportedly witnessed a rise in domestic political turmoil as the assembly and the appointed government have been in a deadlock for decades which has led to cabinet reshuffles and dissolutions of parliament.&nbsp;

This deadlock has also reportedly prevented the enactment of basic reforms in the country.

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The elections in April were the fourth to be held in as many years, again after the emir dissolved parliament at short notice. The newly formed parliament was to meet for the first time on Monday (May 13), but several politicians had refused to participate in the government.

“Kuwait has been through some hard times lately...which leaves no room for hesitation or delay in making the difficult decision to save the country and secure its highest interests,” said the Emir.&nbsp;

Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah added that he would “never allow the misuse of democracy to destroy the state, because of the interests of the people of Kuwait, which are above all.”&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Kuwait’s emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved the parliament on Friday (May 10) and has taken some of its tasks upon himself, reported the country’s state media.

Kuwait’s emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved the parliament on Friday (May 10) and has taken some of its tasks upon himself, reported the country’s state media. The move comes weeks after the tiny nation along the Persian Gulf held its elections. What did the emir say? In a televised speech on Friday, the emir said he has also suspended several articles of the constitution and that the suspension may remain for a “period of no more than four years,” without elaborating. Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 83, and the royal-appointed cabinet will assume some powers of the 50-member National Assembly, he said. Also Read | Gaza war: Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated international law, says Washington “The unhealthy atmosphere experienced by Kuwait in previous years has encouraged the spread of corruption to reach most state facilities, and unfortunately it reached the security and economic institutions,” said the ruler, adding that “it has even affected the justice system”. “We have faced difficulties and obstacles that cannot be tolerated,” said the Emir. About the elections last month Last month’s elections were the first to be held under Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah who came to power last December after the death of his half-brother and predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. The country, which is home to 4.2 million people and is also one of the wealthiest in the world on a per capita basis, is typically seen as one of the more democratic Gulf monarchies as elected officials also hold some real power. However, Kuwait has reportedly witnessed a rise in domestic political turmoil as the assembly and the appointed government have been in a deadlock for decades which has led to cabinet reshuffles and dissolutions of parliament. This deadlock has also reportedly prevented the enactment of basic reforms in the country. Also Read | 'Inject a little bleach': Biden roasts Trump's COVID cure at election fundraiser The elections in April were the fourth to be held in as many years, again after the emir dissolved parliament at short notice. The newly formed parliament was to meet for the first time on Monday (May 13), but several politicians had refused to participate in the government. “Kuwait has been through some hard times lately...which leaves no room for hesitation or delay in making the difficult decision to save the country and secure its highest interests,” said the Emir. Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah added that he would “never allow the misuse of democracy to destroy the state, because of the interests of the people of Kuwait, which are above all.” (With inputs from agencies)

Kuwait’s emir dissolves parliament, suspends some constitution articles after post-elections deadlock

The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Saturday (Dec 16), died at the age of 86, after being in power for three years, said the royal court.

“With great sadness and sorrow, we – the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world – mourn the late His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” said a statement aired on Kuwaiti state television.

State television made the announcement after halting its regular programming and switched to a broadcast of the Koranic recital.

Kuwait announced 40 days of mourning and a three-day closure of official departments starting from Sunday to Tuesday.&nbsp;

Sheikh Nawaf was admitted to the hospital in the month of November "due to an emergency health problem", according to the official KUNA news agency, which did not share many details about his illness. He was later declared in stable condition.

His health had&nbsp;been a concern during his term given his age.

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Sheikh Nawaf was designated crown prince in 2006 by his half-brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and took over as emir when Sheikh Sabah passed away in Sep 2020 at the age of 91.

He had to navigate the economy through a crisis which was caused by a drop in oil prices in the year 2020.

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The crown prince, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, another half-brother, is 83-year-old and much attention will be now focused on whether the family brings in a younger generation ruler.

Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf was the fifth son of Kuwait's late ruler from 1921 to 1950 Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

He began his political career at the age of 25 as governor of Hawalli province, where he remained until 1978 when he started a decade as interior minister.&nbsp;

<h2>India declares one-day state mourning</h2>

India has declared a one-day state of mourning throughout the nation on Sunday as a mark of respect to Sheikh Nawaf.

"His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait passed away on December 16, 2023. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day's state mourning (/topic/state-mourning) on December 17, 2023, throughout India," the Ministry of Home Affairs said in an official release.

"The National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day," the MHA release added.

<h2>Sheikh Meshal named new emir</h2>

Kuwait's crown prince, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was named the country's new emir in an emergency cabinet meeting after Sheikh Nawaf's passing, state television reported.

"Kuwait's cabinet names crown prince, his highness Sheikh Meshal... emir of the state of Kuwait," the broadcaster said.

<h2>Who is Kuwait's new emir Sheikh Meshal?</h2>

83-year-old Sheikh Meshal, before he was named as the crown prince three years ago, spent much of his career helping build the Gulf state's security and defence.

He was further pushed into the spotlight after he handed most of the unstable Emir Sheikh Nawaf's duties in Nov 2021.

Sheikh Meshal became Kuwait's third emir in just over three years. Until 2020, the post was held for 14 years by Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad, who was known in the Arab world for helping lead Kuwait out of the ruins of Iraq's 1990 invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Saturday (Dec 16), died at the age of 86, after being in power for three years, said the royal court. “With great sadness and sorrow, we – the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world – mourn the late His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” said a statement aired on Kuwaiti state television.

The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Saturday (Dec 16), died at the age of 86, after being in power for three years, said the royal court. “With great sadness and sorrow, we – the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world – mourn the late His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” said a statement aired on Kuwaiti state television. State television made the announcement after halting its regular programming and switched to a broadcast of the Koranic recital. Kuwait announced 40 days of mourning and a three-day closure of official departments starting from Sunday to Tuesday. Sheikh Nawaf was admitted to the hospital in the month of November "due to an emergency health problem", according to the official KUNA news agency, which did not share many details about his illness. He was later declared in stable condition. His health had been a concern during his term given his age. Also read: PM Modi meets Oman Sultan, discussions on free trade pact ongoing Sheikh Nawaf was designated crown prince in 2006 by his half-brother Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and took over as emir when Sheikh Sabah passed away in Sep 2020 at the age of 91. He had to navigate the economy through a crisis which was caused by a drop in oil prices in the year 2020. Also read: Iran executes man linked with Israel's intelligence service amid war in Gaza The crown prince, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, another half-brother, is 83-year-old and much attention will be now focused on whether the family brings in a younger generation ruler. Born in 1937, Sheikh Nawaf was the fifth son of Kuwait's late ruler from 1921 to 1950 Sheikh Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He began his political career at the age of 25 as governor of Hawalli province, where he remained until 1978 when he started a decade as interior minister. India declares one-day state mourning India has declared a one-day state of mourning throughout the nation on Sunday as a mark of respect to Sheikh Nawaf. "His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait passed away on December 16, 2023. As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there will be one day's state mourning (/topic/state-mourning) on December 17, 2023, throughout India," the Ministry of Home Affairs said in an official release. "The National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day," the MHA release added. Sheikh Meshal named new emir Kuwait's crown prince, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, was named the country's new emir in an emergency cabinet meeting after Sheikh Nawaf's passing, state television reported. "Kuwait's cabinet names crown prince, his highness Sheikh Meshal... emir of the state of Kuwait," the broadcaster said. Who is Kuwait's new emir Sheikh Meshal? 83-year-old Sheikh Meshal, before he was named as the crown prince three years ago, spent much of his career helping build the Gulf state's security and defence. He was further pushed into the spotlight after he handed most of the unstable Emir Sheikh Nawaf's duties in Nov 2021. Sheikh Meshal became Kuwait's third emir in just over three years. Until 2020, the post was held for 14 years by Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad, who was known in the Arab world for helping lead Kuwait out of the ruins of Iraq's 1990 invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf dies at 86, Sheikh Meshal, 83, named successor

Kuwait named Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah its new Emir after the death of erstwhile Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Saturday (Dec 16). Sheikh Meshal is the half brother of the late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf.

The naming of Sheikh Meshal as the new Emir of Kuwait was confirmed by a statement from the deputy prime minister and minister of state for cabinet affairs.

<h2>Who is Sheikh Meshal?</h2>

Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, 83, the new Emir of Kuwait was the crown prince of Kuwait before being named as the de-facto ruler of the oil-rich Gulf country.

The octogenarian had been one of the world's oldest crown princes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwaits-ruling-emir-sheikh-nawaf-dies-at-the-age-of-86-670264">Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf dies at 86, Sheikh Meshal named as successor</a>

Sheikh Nawaf himself handed over most of his duties to&nbsp;Sheikh Meshal owing to his failing health. The emir-designate has been Kuwait’s de-facto ruler since 2021.

Under Kuwait's constitution, the crown prince becomes emir once the erstwhile Emir becomes incapacitated.&nbsp;

Sheikh Meshal will assume power after taking oath in parliament. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir.

<h2>Sheikh Meshal as Kuwait emir: What does it mean?</h2>

Critics cited in the western media interpreted the appointment of Sheikh Mishal, now 83 — possibly the world’s oldest crown prince — as a sign that Kuwait would defy a trend towards generational change among the Gulf’s ruling families in favour of a risk-averse oligarchal rule committed to continuity.

Besides, under Sheikh Nawaf and his Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal, Kuwait continued to align itself more closely with the regional powerhouse, Saudi Arabia.

Also watch |&nbsp;Kuwait's national assembly: Women candidates make a comeback

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At the same time, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">restoration of Iran-Saudi ties</a> has given a new dimension to West Asia's internal geo-economic alignments with a semblance of stability. But the Israel-Hamas war has added to the latest string of challenges for stability in the volatile region.&nbsp;

<h2>Sheikh Meshal as new Kuwait Emir: Immediate challenges</h2>

The new emir’s choice of crown prince and premier – who would face the challenge of managing the government's tumultuous relationship with parliament – will be consequential as a younger generation of Kuwait’s ruling family jostles for position.

Such factional struggles within the Sabah family have often played out in parliament as contenders for succession build their political capital.

Kuwait, which has a population of 4.2 million people, has the world’s sixth-largest known oil reserves.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kuwait named Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah its new Emir after the death of erstwhile Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Saturday (Dec 16).

Kuwait named Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah its new Emir after the death of erstwhile Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Saturday (Dec 16). Sheikh Meshal is the half brother of the late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf. The naming of Sheikh Meshal as the new Emir of Kuwait was confirmed by a statement from the deputy prime minister and minister of state for cabinet affairs. Who is Sheikh Meshal? Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber, 83, the new Emir of Kuwait was the crown prince of Kuwait before being named as the de-facto ruler of the oil-rich Gulf country. The octogenarian had been one of the world's oldest crown princes. Also read | Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf dies at 86, Sheikh Meshal named as successor Sheikh Nawaf himself handed over most of his duties to Sheikh Meshal owing to his failing health. The emir-designate has been Kuwait’s de-facto ruler since 2021. Under Kuwait's constitution, the crown prince becomes emir once the erstwhile Emir becomes incapacitated. Sheikh Meshal will assume power after taking oath in parliament. The new emir has up to a year to name an heir. Sheikh Meshal as Kuwait emir: What does it mean? Critics cited in the western media interpreted the appointment of Sheikh Mishal, now 83 — possibly the world’s oldest crown prince — as a sign that Kuwait would defy a trend towards generational change among the Gulf’s ruling families in favour of a risk-averse oligarchal rule committed to continuity. Besides, under Sheikh Nawaf and his Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal, Kuwait continued to align itself more closely with the regional powerhouse, Saudi Arabia. Also watch | Kuwait's national assembly: Women candidates make a comeback × At the same time, the restoration of Iran-Saudi ties has given a new dimension to West Asia's internal geo-economic alignments with a semblance of stability. But the Israel-Hamas war has added to the latest string of challenges for stability in the volatile region. Sheikh Meshal as new Kuwait Emir: Immediate challenges The new emir’s choice of crown prince and premier – who would face the challenge of managing the government's tumultuous relationship with parliament – will be consequential as a younger generation of Kuwait’s ruling family jostles for position. Such factional struggles within the Sabah family have often played out in parliament as contenders for succession build their political capital. Kuwait, which has a population of 4.2 million people, has the world’s sixth-largest known oil reserves. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Sheikh Meshal? The new emir of oil-rich Kuwait

The US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;awarded one of the most prestigious awards — the US&nbsp;Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander —&nbsp;to&nbsp;Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Friday.

The announcement was made by the White House, which also stated the this is the first time the honour has been awarded to anyone since 1991.

The 91-year-old has been a part of a&nbsp;few of the most important missions of the US such as Operation Iraqi Freedom which was conducted in 20113 by the US forces to oust the&nbsp;former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein,&nbsp;Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 through which the US removed Taliban from power in Afghanistan and&nbsp;the Defeat-ISIS campaign to the coalition effort to end the Islamic State militant group`s control of territory in Syria and Iraq.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/credit-where-it-is-due-trump-deserves-praise-for-west-asia-peace-deal-328186">Also read|&nbsp;Credit where it is due: Trump deserves praise for West Asia peace deal</a>

The White House praised the emir as an "unwavering friend and partner to the United States" who gave "indispensable support to the United States throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Defeat-ISIS campaign."

A private award ceremony was held on Friday in the White House in which the award was collected by emir's oldest son&nbsp;Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

The emir came to the US in July with respect to his health issues, after which he had undergone a surgery. His condition is now stable, his team stated.

This award is being seen as a move to smoothen the country's relations with the countries of Middle East ahead of&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>&nbsp;in which he is competing against&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.

The US President Donald Trump awarded one of the most prestigious awards — the US Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander — to Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Friday.

The US President Donald Trump awarded one of the most prestigious awards — the US Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander — to Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Friday. The announcement was made by the White House, which also stated the this is the first time the honour has been awarded to anyone since 1991. The 91-year-old has been a part of a few of the most important missions of the US such as Operation Iraqi Freedom which was conducted in 20113 by the US forces to oust the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 through which the US removed Taliban from power in Afghanistan and the Defeat-ISIS campaign to the coalition effort to end the Islamic State militant group`s control of territory in Syria and Iraq. Also read| Credit where it is due: Trump deserves praise for West Asia peace deal The White House praised the emir as an "unwavering friend and partner to the United States" who gave "indispensable support to the United States throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the Defeat-ISIS campaign." A private award ceremony was held on Friday in the White House in which the award was collected by emir's oldest son Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. The emir came to the US in July with respect to his health issues, after which he had undergone a surgery. His condition is now stable, his team stated. This award is being seen as a move to smoothen the country's relations with the countries of Middle East ahead of US elections in which he is competing against Joe Biden.

Trump awards Kuwaiti emir with prestigious award; first since 1991

Kuwait&#39;s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has issued a decree dissolving the Gulf state&#39;s parliament, the official KUNA news agency reported, following tensions between the legislature and government.

&quot;Due to the delicate regional developments and the need to face the dangers of security challenges, it became necessary to go back to the people... to elect their representatives... and contribute to confronting those challenges,&quot; he said in a decree.

The decree was issued at the recommendation of the government at an emergency meeting earlier on Sunday to discuss the standoff. Lawmakers had filed three requests to grill ministers over a decision to hike petrol prices and over alleged financial and administrative violations.&nbsp;

The announcement has set the stage for early elections.&nbsp;Under Kuwait&#39;s constitution, elections must be held within two months of the dissolution of the house.

The decision came less than 24 hours after parliament speaker Marzouk al-Ghanem called for snap elections in the face of mounting security and economic challenges. The last parliamentary elections were held in 2013 in Kuwait.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The announcement which came after an emergency government meeting on Sunday has set the stage for early elections in the Gulf state

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has issued a decree dissolving the Gulf state's parliament, the official KUNA news agency reported, following tensions between the legislature and government. "Due to the delicate regional developments and the need to face the dangers of security challenges, it became necessary to go back to the people... to elect their representatives... and contribute to confronting those challenges," he said in a decree. The decree was issued at the recommendation of the government at an emergency meeting earlier on Sunday to discuss the standoff. Lawmakers had filed three requests to grill ministers over a decision to hike petrol prices and over alleged financial and administrative violations. The announcement has set the stage for early elections. Under Kuwait's constitution, elections must be held within two months of the dissolution of the house. The decision came less than 24 hours after parliament speaker Marzouk al-Ghanem called for snap elections in the face of mounting security and economic challenges. The last parliamentary elections were held in 2013 in Kuwait. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh al-Sabah dissolves Parliament

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Kuwait’s emir dissolves parliament, suspends some constitution articles after post-elections deadlock

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf dies at 86, Sheikh Meshal, 83, named successor

Who is Sheikh Meshal? The new emir of oil-rich Kuwait

Trump awards Kuwaiti emir with prestigious award; first since 1991

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh al-Sabah dissolves Parliament