Kuwait's Emir dissolves parliament, suspends constitutional articles
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Kuwait's Emir announces the dissolution of the National Assembly and the suspension of several constitutional article for no more than four years.
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Members of parliament take part of the new Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah's oath ceremony at the National Assembly in Kuwait City, Kuwait, December 20, 2023 (AP)
The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, announced Friday the dissolution of the National Assembly and the suspension of some articles of the constitution for a period not exceeding 4 years.
He underlined that this timeframe will see the state of Kuwait reexamining many issues within the democratic process.
"Democratic rule necessitates the distribution of powers according to a clear vision for the executive and legislative authorities," Sheikh Al-Sabah said.
"We have gone through difficult times that created a negative situation in the country, and we witnessed throughout the previous period behavior that was contrary to the constitution," he added.
The status quo in Kuwait "leaves no room for hesitation or delay in making the difficult decision to save the country and secure its highest interests," he said, after underlining that it had led to corruption that affected security institutions and the justice system in and of itself.
Following the Emir of Kuwait's speech, KTV 1 clarified that the Emiri decree also stipulates that the Emir and the Council of Ministers will assume the powers of the National Assembly for the upcoming period.
Al-Sabah was sworn in as Emir of the State of Kuwait in December 2023 after the death of his older brother, the late Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
He stressed in a speech before the National Assembly, after being sworn in, "the importance of accountability within the framework of the law for actions and neglect of the interests of citizens."
"The legislative and executive authorities came together to harm the interests of the country after remaining silent on issues marred by corruption," he added.
The 83-year-old newly sworn Emir, who officially reigned the country following a 3-day shutdown in the mourning of his late older brother, will maintain the current foreign policy aimed at strengthening the country's relations and cooperation with Arab countries in the Gulf, especially regarding regional issues, KTV 1 said.
