Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait, announced the dissolution of the National Assembly and the suspension of certain constitutional articles for a period not exceeding four years. During this time, all aspects of the democratic journey will be studied. The Emir, along with the Cabinet, will assume the powers normally delegated to the parliament.
In a televised address to the nation, the Emir of Kuwait stated that the formation of the government has not been completed since the appointment of the Prime Minister-designate, Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, on April 15. This delay was due to the imposition of dictates and conditions for joining the government by some deputies, some of which “intrude into the core competencies of the Emir and his constitutional rights.”
Following the Emir’s speech, the Kuwaiti News Agency announced that an Emiri order was issued to dissolve the National Assembly based on the supreme interest of the country. The suspension affects Articles 51, 65 (paragraphs 2 and 3), 71 (paragraph 2), 79, 107, 174, and 181 of the Constitution enacted on November 11, 1962, for up to four years. This period will be used to study the practice of democracy, with findings to be presented to the Emir for appropriate action.
Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad remarked, “Kuwait has recently faced difficult times that have impacted all levels, creating a negative reality that we, as trustees of this state and its loyal people, must advise repeatedly and guide continuously to minimize potential losses.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, we have faced unimaginable difficulties and obstacles in our attempts to overcome our harsh realities, leaving no room for hesitation in making tough decisions to save this country and secure its supreme interests, preserving the wealth of our loyal people who deserve every respect.”
The Emir explained that “governance democracy, as a lifestyle and work method, imposes a wide range of regulations on public authorities and roles distribution within a clear vision to achieve its purpose. These mandatory regulations cannot be altered or avoided; they remain effective to enforce the Constitution’s word on those addressed by it, serving as a refuge and regulator for every authority’s actions.”
He noted, “We have observed, even in recent days, behaviors and actions that contradict established constitutional truths. There are those who threatened and warned just for a minister to return to his portfolio, and others who objected to some nominations, forgetting, whether ignorantly or deliberately, that the selection of the Prime Minister and his members is a constitutional right of the state president and no one is allowed to encroach upon or interfere with it.”
He added, “It is essential to mention that we cannot afford to squander or misuse our national wealth resources in ways that deplete their resources and impede the nation’s interests through proposals that waste public money and do not serve the public good.” The Emir of Kuwait affirmed, “The unhealthy atmosphere that prevailed in the country in recent years has encouraged corruption to spread to most state facilities, even reaching security and economic institutions and even the justice facility, which is people’s refuge for protecting their rights and freedoms. We are confident that the judiciary is capable of purifying itself with the help of its devoted men.”
He concluded, “Everyone must understand that no one is above the law; whoever misappropriates public funds will be punished, regardless of their position or status. I will never allow democracy to be used to hinder the state; the interests of the people of Kuwait, which are above all, are a trust in our necks, and it is our duty to protect and preserve them.”
The Emir also criticized previous governments for severe violations and oversteps resulting from parliamentary pressure or unsuccessful and unconsidered initiatives, which had a negative impact on public interest, even leading to the release of those convicted of treason… “Under no circumstances will I allow such occurrences to be repeated.”
