The Emir of Kuwait dissolved parliament and announced a review of democracy

Emir of Kuwait Mishaal al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah dissolved parliament and announced a four-year transition period, during which “all aspects of the democratic process” in the country will be reviewed.

“I will not allow democracy to be used to destroy the state,” the emir said. He also suspended several articles of the Constitution. During the transition period, the emir and cabinet of ministers will assume the legislative powers of parliament.

The emir accused some deputies of “going beyond limits” and “interfering with the emir’s powers in his selection of the crown prince.” He didn’t name names. The crown prince – usually the next ruler of Kuwait – must be appointed by the current emir. According to the law, the throne passes to the crown prince automatically, but the heir must be approved by parliament.

Sheikh Mishaal himself, now 83 years old, became emir in December 2023 after the death of his 86-year-old brother. The now dissolved parliament was elected in April and has not even begun work yet, notes The New York Times. The parliament in Kuwait is much more influential than in neighboring monarchies, in which it has a rather symbolic meaning. Among other things, deputies can publicly question members of the government and influence the state budget.

“The suspension of parliament threatens to turn Kuwait into the same authoritarian country as other Gulf monarchies,” said Michael Herb, a political science professor at the University of Georgia.