Kuwait Sees First Political Crisis under New Tenure

 Kuwaiti National Assembly (KUNA)
Kuwaiti National Assembly (KUNA)
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Kuwait Sees First Political Crisis under New Tenure

 Kuwaiti National Assembly (KUNA)
Kuwaiti National Assembly (KUNA)

Amid signs of a political crisis in Kuwait - the first in the new era - the government on Wednesday boycotted a parliamentary session in protest against what is believed to be an implicit insult by one of the deputies while discussing the response to the Emiri’s speech.

After Speaker of the National Assembly Ahmed Al-Saadoun asked to delete the intervention of MP Abdul Karim Al-Kandari from the minutes of the session, a majority of 44 deputies voted against Saadoun’s request, a move that was seen by those demanding the annulment of the intervention as an insult to the Emir, which violates the constitution.

In objection to the National Assembly’s action, the government boycotted a parliamentary session on Wednesday, which forced Saadoun to lift the session due to the ministers’ absence.

Kuwaiti political analyst Dr. Ayed Manna told Asharq Al-Awsat that the government’s withdrawal from Wednesday’s session had “clear negative indicators.”

“It is inconceivable that the government that has just been formed and took the constitutional oath before the National Assembly will be absent,” Manna said, stressing that the Assembly was still discussing the response to the Amiri speech.

Asked whether Article 106 of the Constitution could be activated, giving the head of state the right to suspend Parliament for a month, Manna said: “Resorting to Article 106 of the Constitution, which stipulates postponing sessions for a month, is a valid possibility, and may anticipate an expected crisis as well, if Parliament does not reduce its pressure in certain directions.”

He continued: “I believe that the relationship between the two authorities may be marred by some turmoil, and therefore it must be built on a common vision and program,” stressing that government positions on some parliamentary demands, such as increasing salaries and loans and similar popular requests should not constitute a justification for paralyzing Parliament’s work.



Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
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Namirah Mosque Ready for Hajj’s Arafat Day with Major Upgrades

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)
Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims at the mosque. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has completed extensive preparations at Namirah Mosque in Arafat, ensuring it is fully ready to welcome Hajj pilgrims on the day of Arafat, which falls on Thursday. The mosque has been furnished with 125,000 square meters of luxurious carpets.

Significant development projects have been implemented to improve the comfort of pilgrims. The backyard now features 19 canopies that reduce heat stress by an average of 10 degrees Celsius, complemented by sun-reflecting floor paint. The surrounding courtyards are also prepared and cooled with 117 fog fans, lowering temperatures by an average of 9 degrees Celsius.

A major ventilation and air conditioning upgrade includes a new control system that monitors carbon dioxide levels and operates air purification units, allowing for 100% air renewal every 30 minutes. This system also controls water pumps, boosting operational efficiency and providing a healthier environment for pilgrims.

For hydration, 70 water chillers have been installed, each capable of serving 2,000 pilgrims per hour, totaling a capacity of 140,000 pilgrims per hour.

An advanced audio system and security surveillance cameras have also been integrated to boost safety and security.

Furthermore, the mosque's 72 gates and entrances have been strategically organized to ensure a smooth flow of pilgrims.

These extensive tasks were carried out by dedicated supervisory and service teams committed to providing the best services to pilgrims.