KUWAIT CITY (KUWAIT) – The Kuwaiti parliament witnessed the swearing-in of the nation’s new Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Thursday. He pledged the Gulf state’s commitment to democracy and peace in the region and exhorted Kuwaitis to avoid divisions.
The parliament unanimously endorsed the octogenarian Crown Prince for the role in what was a smooth succession following the death of Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad last week.
The new Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad, 83, assumed office last Wednesday. The country, which is a member of the OPEC and a close US ally, is facing a liquidity crunch because of low oil prices and the pandemic. This comes amid continuing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
In a televised address, Sheikh Meshal said Kuwait would go ahead with its regional and international commitments as well as its “path of peace and democratic approach”.
He also vowed to “raise the banner of popular participation and promote a tolerant spirit that shuns division.”
According to diplomats and analysts, given Emir Sheikh Nawaf’s low-key style and age, he might delegate a larger portion of responsibilities to Sheikh Meshal, who is a forceful figure and was deputy head of the National Guard since 2004. Before that, he was at the helm of State Security for 13 years staying away from public events.
Sheikh Meshal’s rise is in contrast to some neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia where the ruling family has started giving top jobs to younger princes.
Nawaf and Meshal, who are siblings, will divert their attention to domestic issues as the country faces parliamentary elections this year and puts in place initiatives to shore up the finances.
Clashes between the chosen cabinet, in which members of the ruling family hold senior positions, and the assembly have led to government reshuffle and dissolution of parliament, affecting investment and economic reforms.
They will also strive to uphold the oil and foreign policies crafted by the late Emir and seek unity in the region while balancing ties with its big neighbours.