Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Thursday dissolved parliament, also known as the National Assembly, in response to the first political crisis of his reign.
The dissolution was expected after the Assembly declined to remove remarks made by a lawmaker that were deemed disrespectful to the ruling authority.
The Emiri decree issued on Thursday cited the Assembly’s breach of constitutional principles, particularly regarding the disrespect of esteemed positions and the deliberate use of disrespectful and offensive language by the parliament’s members.
The government, acting on behalf of the Emir, stated that the dissolution was in line with Article 107 of the constitution.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, constitutional expert Dr. Mohammed Al-Faili reaffirmed that the dissolution was constitutional and that elections would be held within two months, as required by law.
“This dissolution decree has its causes, and the reasons are material,” said Al-Faili.
“The decree for elections will be issued later, and it suffices that the Emiri decree referenced the constitution, which mandates organizing elections within two months after dissolution,” he added.
The crisis began when lawmakers refused to retract comments seen as indirect insults from Deputy Abdul Kareem Al-Kandari during discussions on an Emiri speech. The government’s absence from a parliamentary session last Wednesday led to the Assembly’s suspension.
This is the first time the Assembly has been dissolved since Sheikh Meshal assumed power on December 16, 2023.
In his inaugural speech to the Assembly on December 20, Sheikh Meshal criticized both the government and parliament, accusing them of harming Kuwait’s national interests.
On January 4, Sheikh Meshal appointed Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as Prime Minister. On the same day, a new cabinet of 13 ministers was formed.
Since its establishment in 1963 after independence and the constitution’s proclamation, the Assembly has been dissolved a total of 12 times.
