Kuwait's crown prince, in a speech at Tuesday's opening of parliament, urged the legislative and executive branches to focus on the country's development and put an end a prolonged feud and "petty matters" that have wasted time and money.
Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al Sabah took over most of the ruling emir's duties late last year and has since largely focused on tackling domestic political bickering that has long plagued the wealthy Gulf Arab state, hampering investment and key reforms.
The standoff between the government and elected parliament has blocked structural and fiscal reforms, including a debt law allowing Kuwait to tap global markets, and delayed approval of the state budget for the fiscal year starting April 2022.
"We hope for an end of the time of tension and escalation in the relationship between members of the legislative and executive authorities... There has been enough waste of painstaking efforts, precious time and squandered money," Sheikh Meshal said in the address, visibly crying at the end.
Later, parliament chose Ahmed al-Saadoun as speaker, a position he held from 1985-1999.
Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad told parliament his government would safeguard public funds and take a tough stand on corruption, a key issue for many citizens along with jobs.
