Kuwait’s New Emir Accuses Gov’t, Parliament of Conspiring to Harm National Interests

Kuwait’s new emir accepted the cabinet’s resignation, state news agency (KUNA) reported.
Kuwait’s new emir accepted the cabinet’s resignation, state news agency (KUNA) reported.
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Kuwait’s New Emir Accuses Gov’t, Parliament of Conspiring to Harm National Interests

Kuwait’s new emir accepted the cabinet’s resignation, state news agency (KUNA) reported.
Kuwait’s new emir accepted the cabinet’s resignation, state news agency (KUNA) reported.

 

Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah was sworn in on Wednesday as Kuwait’s new emir.

In an address at the ceremony at the National Assembly, he declared: “As a political leadership, we must be close to everyone. We must listen and see and follow up on developments.”

He stressed “the importance of follow-up, responsible oversight, and objective accountability within the framework of the constitution and the law for negligence, dereliction and tampering with the interests of citizens.”

He vowed to preserve national unity and combat “all forms of corruption.”

Sheikh Meshal added: “We have not seen any correction of the course. The legislative and executive authorities have conspired to harm the interests of the country and citizens.”

The Emir said it was “necessary to review our current reality, especially in terms of security, the economy and living conditions.”

Moreover, he declared that Kuwait will maintain its Gulf, regional and international commitments.

Sheikh Meshal succeeded Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, whose death at 86 was announced on Saturday.

The cabinet submitted its resignation to Sheikh Meshal shortly after he was sworn in, state news agency KUNA reported. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the late emir's son, handed the resignation to Sheikh Meshal, it added. 

The cabinet, however, will continue as a caretaker government until a new one is formed.

Rumors have circulated that the caretaker government led by Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf may issue a decree dissolving the National Assembly (Parliament) in the coming days and call for new elections within two months.

Kuwaiti constitutional expert Dr. Mohammed Al-Faili affirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the caretaker government is indeed capable of dissolving the Assembly and calling for elections under the condition of it qualifying as an urgency.

“It should be noted that the caretaker government is a government, but its authority is limited to handling urgent matters,” said Al-Faili.

“If there is an urgent matter justifying the dissolution of the National Assembly, it is permissible for it to issue the decree. However, if there is no urgent matter justifying the dissolution, it is not permissible for it to issue such a decree,” he further explained.

“The designation of what is urgent falls within the jurisdiction of the government issuing the decree and the Emir who approves it,” added Al-Faili.

“It is worth noting that the Constitutional Court has the authority to monitor the designation of what is considered urgent,” he noted.

On his part, Kuwaiti political analyst Dr. Ayed Manaa spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat about the speech delivered by Sheikh Meshal during his constitutional oath-taking, describing the speech as unique.

“Based on my observation of royal speeches on such occasions since the 1960s, I find that, for the first time, this speech stands out for its frankness and strength,” said Manaa.

“Usually, such speeches are characterized by diplomatic language and highlighting consensus; this time, I was surprised by a candid and clear speech.”

According to Manaa, the new Emir stated that he did not violate the directives and orders of his predecessor, despite disagreeing with some of the decisions and measures.

As for Sheikh Meshal’s statement on the government and Assembly conspiring to harm Kuwait’s interests, Manaa considered it “undoubtedly significant and serious because if both the legislative and executive branches agree to harm the country’s interests, it means that the country was in untrustworthy hands on both sides.”

The Emir succeeded in directing severe criticism at both branches of power from within the Assembly’s chambers.



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.