Political Crisis Looms in Kuwait

Men prepare to cast their votes during the parliamentary elections at a polling station, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, 04 April 2024. (EPA)
Men prepare to cast their votes during the parliamentary elections at a polling station, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, 04 April 2024. (EPA)
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Political Crisis Looms in Kuwait

Men prepare to cast their votes during the parliamentary elections at a polling station, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, 04 April 2024. (EPA)
Men prepare to cast their votes during the parliamentary elections at a polling station, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, 04 April 2024. (EPA)

A political crisis is looming in Kuwait after a decree was issued on Monday to postpone the first meeting of the newly elected National Assembly amid reports that the caretaker prime minister was unable to form a new government.

PM Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem Al-Sabah had submitted his resignation to Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Saturday in wake of parliamentary elections that were held last week.

The Emir had accepted the resignation and called on the National Assembly to convene on April 17.

Reports have said Sheikh Ahmed al-Abdullah Al-Sabah may be tasked with forming a new government.

On Monday, a decree called for delaying the parliamentary session to April 18.

Former National Assembly Speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim and lawmakers warned that the constitution stipulates that the legislature must convene the next day if it does not meet on April 17.

Local media quoted government sources as saying that the session may even be postponed to May 14.



Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan Hold Third Round of Political Consultations

A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)
A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)
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Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan Hold Third Round of Political Consultations

A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)
A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)

The ministries of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan held the third round of political consultations at the Saudi ministry headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji and Tajik Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Farrukh Sharifzoda headed their respective sides during the meeting.

Discussions focused on boosting bilateral relations between the two countries across various sectors, as well as intensifying bilateral and multilateral coordination on issues of mutual interest.

The consultation round was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan Waleed Abdulrahman Alreshaidan, Tajik Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Akram Karimi, and Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of Asian Countries Director Nasser Al-Ghanoum.