Kuwait's Emir appointed Ahmad Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah as the new prime minister on Monday, as per the state news agency KUNA. This decision follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah in April, shortly after being designated to form a government. Sheikh Ahmad's appointment came after the election of a new parliament, the fourth since December 2020.
According to KUNA, Sheikh Ahmad, born in 1952, has an extensive background in finance and government. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Finance (Banking and Investment) from the University of Illinois in 1976. His career includes positions at Kuwait's Finance Center and the Central Bank of Kuwait. He later served as chairman of the board for Burgan Bank before assuming various ministerial roles, including Minister of Finance, Minister of Communications, Minister of Planning, Minister of State for Administrative Affairs, Minister of Health, and Minister of Oil.
KUNA reported, "His Highness the Amir, in an Amiri Order, assigned Sheikh Ahmad to form a government to submit the names of the ministers to appoint them."
Kuwait, an OPEC producer, operates under a political system that prohibits political parties. However, it maintains a relatively open political environment compared to other Gulf states, with the Emir holding the ultimate authority in state matters.
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Kuwait's Political Instability And Frequent Elections
Earlier this month, Sheikh Muhammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah formed a new government, including ministers of oil, finance, foreign affairs, interior, and defence. This move came after Sheikh Meshal assumed the role of Emir in December, following the passing of his brother Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad. Sheikh Meshal dissolved the parliament on February 15, citing the assembly's "violation of the constitutional principles" as the reason for dissolution, news agency Reuters reported.
Despite Kuwait's ban on political parties, its legislature holds significant influence, with the power to pass and block laws, question ministers, and submit no-confidence motions. However, frequent political deadlock has resulted in numerous cabinet reshuffles and parliament dissolutions, often hampering policy-making processes, though the Emir retains the ultimate authority.
In the absence of political parties, candidates in Kuwait's elections fight as individuals despite their political ideologies. While the system grants significant power to the parliament, political gridlock has historically plagued the nation, leading to administrative challenges.
Kuwait, a country with a population of approximately 4.2 million people, boasts the world's sixth-largest oil reserves, making it a significant player in the global energy landscape, according to news agency AP. Despite being small in size, Kuwait holds immense geopolitical importance, particularly due to its strategic alliance with the United States.
Since the expulsion of Iraqi forces under Saddam Hussein during the 1991 Gulf War, Kuwait has remained a steadfast ally of the United States. Currently, the country hosts around 13,500 American troops, along with the forward headquarters of the U.S. Army in the Middle East.