Kuwait’s ruler, Emir Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, dissolved the country’s parliament on Friday, a surprising decision delivered via state television. The abrupt move has caused political uncertainty and speculation about the underlying reasons, which are fundamentally believed to be disputed within the parliament. He provided no official reasons for the resolution. Public reactions vary, with concern for the state of governance and hope for potential political transparency.
Although it was only formed a few months ago, the dissolution of Kuwait’s parliament wasn’t unforeseen. Under the Kuwait constitution, the Emir has the right to dissolve the parliament—a power often exercised in the past. This triggers a need for a new election, although the timing is still uncertain. During this interim, responsibilities overseen by the 50-member National Assembly will shift to the royal-appointed cabinet, headed by Emir Sheikh, per national media.
Emir Sheikh Mishal also temporarily suspended unspecified sections of the constitution for a maximum of four years. He didn’t provide any in-depth details about this suspension.
Kuwait’s dissolved parliament: implications and prospects
Still, it serves as a sign of broader changes on the national level. He expressed disappointment about the prevalent corruption in state facilities, including the security, economy, and justice sectors. He voiced concerns over delays in key development projects and stressed the need for transformation, transparency, and an efficient justice system.
Sheikh Mishal highlighted Kuwait’s significant challenges, which became apparent in the parliamentary elections in April. This was the first political affair under his leadership following his predecessor’s passing in December 2020. He emphasized the importance of unity, transparent governance, and a resilient economy. Sheikh Mishal also has a progressive approach intending to diversify the economy, tackle corruption, enhance education, and strengthen diplomacy.
Repeated conflicts between the government and the parliament have historically led to numerous dissolutions in the Kuwait parliament. This has negatively affected investments and slowed reform initiatives. Sheikh Mishal pointed out another issue: failed attempts at forming a government due to some non-participating politicians. He linked this to the demands of certain lawmakers, demonstrating recent difficulties in Kuwait and the need for definitive actions for the country’s interest.
