Kuwait’s Crown Prince Dissolves Parliament, Calls Elections

Lawmakers attend a session of Kuwait's National Assembly, in Kuwait City, Feb. 8, 2022. (AP)
Lawmakers attend a session of Kuwait's National Assembly, in Kuwait City, Feb. 8, 2022. (AP)
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Kuwait’s Crown Prince Dissolves Parliament, Calls Elections

Lawmakers attend a session of Kuwait's National Assembly, in Kuwait City, Feb. 8, 2022. (AP)
Lawmakers attend a session of Kuwait's National Assembly, in Kuwait City, Feb. 8, 2022. (AP)

Kuwait's crown prince on Wednesday dissolved National Assembly and called for early elections, a move to ease government gridlock that has paralyzed the tiny country for months.

In his televised national address, Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah said that while the ruling family respected Kuwait's constitution, popular dissatisfaction over the deepening dysfunction compelled the emir to intervene.

The domestic political scene was being "torn by disagreement and personal interests" to the detriment of the country, he added.

"Our goal with this constitutional solution is the firm and sincere desire for the people themselves to have the final say in the process of correcting the political course anew by choosing who represents the right choice," said Sheikh Meshal, who assumed most of the emir's responsibilities last year.

A date for legislative elections was not immediately announced.

The country's Cabinet resigned over two months ago over disputes with Parliament, resulting in a prolonged paralysis.

The wrangling has left many Kuwaitis deeply disenchanted with their 50-member elected legislature. Parliament is empowered to pass and block laws, question ministers and submit no-confidence votes against senior officials. However, final authority rests with the ruling emir.

Kuwait’s emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, appeared briefly on state TV on Wednesday to say he authorized his heir to give the national address, effectively blessing the step.



Fifth Edition of Saudi National Campaign for Charitable Work Tops SAR1 Billion in Donations 

Fifth Edition of Saudi National Campaign for Charitable Work Tops SAR1 Billion in Donations 
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Fifth Edition of Saudi National Campaign for Charitable Work Tops SAR1 Billion in Donations 

Fifth Edition of Saudi National Campaign for Charitable Work Tops SAR1 Billion in Donations 

The total donations for the fifth edition of the National Campaign for Charitable Work through the "Ehsan" platform have exceeded SAR1 billion within just one week of its launch in Saudi Arabia, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Friday.

The achievement reflects the aspirations of Saudi society aimed at promoting values of unity, solidarity, and compassion during the holy month of Ramadan.

The donations have come from various sectors, including individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.

The Ehsan platform offers everyone the chance to donate through a well-governed process that ensures trust, transparency, and ease of donation, guaranteeing that donations reach beneficiaries with the highest standards of efficiency, accuracy, and security.

The campaign continues to receive donations through the "Ehsan" platform app and website, as well as the Donor Service Center and designated bank accounts.