Kuwait forms first government under new Emir

It is anticipated that the new cabinet will uphold Kuwait's current policies

2024 01 17T090701Z 1 LYNXMPEK0G09T RTROPTP 3 KUWAIT
Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim al Thani (L) walks with former Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed al Salem al Sabah, ahead of the opening ceremony of the first International Conference of Council for Arab and International Relations in Kuwait City February 11, 2013. REUTERS/Stephanie Mcgehee/file photo

On Wednesday, Kuwait established a government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah, as reported by the state news agency. This marks the nation’s inaugural cabinet following the demise of its former leader. Sheikh Mohammed has designated fresh individuals for the roles of oil, finance, and foreign affairs in this initial cabinet under the guidance of Kuwait’s new Emir, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah. He expressed the cabinet’s commitment to implementing reforms in alignment with the emir’s directives.

“This marks a significant responsibility in a new chapter of Kuwait’s history, encompassing challenges and aspirations, demanding dedicated effort and genuine achievements,” stated the new prime minister.

He has designated Emad Mohammed al-Atiqi as the oil minister, Anwar Ali al-Mudhaf as the finance minister, and Abdullah Ali al-Yahya as the foreign minister.

Kuwait’s current Emir, Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who assumed power in December following the passing of his predecessor Sheikh Nawaf, is anticipated to uphold Kuwait’s foreign policies. These policies include backing Gulf Arab unity, maintaining Western alliances, and fostering strong ties with Riyadh—an association deemed a top priority.

Kuwait is set to confront enduring tensions between the ruling family and its detractors within the gridlocked and fragmented parliament. Critics argue that this impasse has impeded fiscal and economic reform. The parliament holds more powers compared to equivalent bodies in fellow Gulf monarchies, and the persistent political deadlock has, for decades, resulted in reshuffles of the cabinet and the dissolution of the parliament.

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