Kuwait’s ruler has called on the parliament to work with the government and prepare a comprehensive reform program, in light of the challenges faced by the country.
The reform is needed to help Kuwait exit its worst economic crisis in decades, Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah said, stressing that there was no time for “fabricating conflicts.”
His remarks were made on Tuesday during the inauguration of the National Assembly’s (parliament) opening session of the 16th legislative term.
“Our country’s path faces serious problems and big challenges that call for putting in place a comprehensive reform program,” Sheikh Nawaf noted.
“There is no room for wasting more efforts, time, and capabilities on fabricated conflicts, disputes, and settling accounts which have become a source of frustration and discontent for citizens and an obstacle to any achievement.”
The success of the comprehensive reform program requires effective cooperation between the assembly and the government, and firmness in implementing the law and positive dialogue and avoiding division, he added.
Sheikh Nawaf stressed that respecting the law and constitution, defending people’s freedoms, interests and money, and working honestly are the primary missions for which people have elected the assembly members to fulfill their hopes and aspirations.
The inauguration session was held following parliamentary elections on Dec.5, which resulted in major reshuffle in the assembly’s structure. It saw an over-60 percent turnout of the country’s more than 560,000 registered voters. Two-thirds of lawmakers and the country’s only female legislator lost their seats.
The final count carried on state media showed that 31 new lawmakers had been elected to the 50-seat assembly.
Marzouq al-Ghanim was re-elected on Tuesday as the speaker of Kuwait’s National Assembly.
Out of the 64 members present, 33 members voted for Ghanim.
The speaker affirmed his keenness to cooperate with everyone to achieve the aspirations of the Kuwaiti people.
