Kuwait's Emir Dissolves Parliament, Assumes Rule by Fiat Amid Political Turmoil

In a significant move that has sparked concerns about curtailed freedoms and authoritarianism, Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved the country's parliament indefinitely on Friday and suspended parts of the constitution, granting himself full control over new legislation for a period of up to four years.

Why this matters: The Emir's decision to dissolve parliament and assume rule by fiat raises concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual. This move could have far-reaching implications for individual freedoms, political accountability, and the stability of the region.

The Emir issued a royal decree on Sunday, forming a new government headed by Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah, his nephew. The decree retained three key ministers: Emad al-Atiqi (oil), Anwar Ali al-Mudhaf (finance), and Abdullah Ali al-Yahya (foreign affairs). The Emir cited a prolonged period of bickering between the government and the elected parliament as the reason for dissolving the National Assembly.

The suspension of certain constitutional provisions means that the Emir and the cabinet will assume the powers of the National Assembly. These changes will be in effect for a period not exceeding four years, during which time all aspects of the democratic process will be studied. "The Prime Minister and the ministers must implement this decree," stated Sheikh Mishal in the decree.

This is the second time the Emir has dissolved parliament this year. The legislature in Kuwait wields more influence than similar bodies in other Gulf monarchies, and political deadlock has led to cabinet reshuffles and dissolutions of parliament for decades. The now-dissolved parliament was elected only weeks earlier in April and was the most powerful elected legislature in the Gulf.

The Emir's decision comes amid tensions between the government and the legislature, with MPs accusing ministers of corruption and the government accusing the legislature of hampering development plans. "Unfortunately, we have faced some unimaginable, unbearable difficulties and impediments," said Sheikh Meshal in an address to the country. "We were left with no option other than taking this hard decision to rescue the country and protect its higher national interests, and resources of the nation."

Kuwait has been gripped by political disputes for years, leading to repeated dissolutions of the parliament and government reshuffles. The parliament has been dissolved 12 times since 2005, most recently in February. The frequent political wrangling between lawmakers and government officials has hindered fiscal and economic reforms as Kuwait seeks to diversify its economy.

Kuwait is the only Gulf monarchy with an elected parliament, established in 1963. The parliament has the authority to question and submit no-confidence motions against cabinet ministers, as well as approve the emir's appointment of a new crown prince. Laws are approved by the parliament and the emir. However, the emir has yet to name a crown prince, a right he retains exclusively.

The emir's decision to dissolve parliament and suspend parts of the constitution has raised concerns about the state of democracy in Kuwait. The emir warned that he would not allow the political system to be exploited to "destroy" the country. As Kuwait navigates this period of political uncertainty, the implications for individual freedoms and the future of the country's democratic institutions remain to be seen.

Key Takeaways

• Kuwait's Emir dissolves parliament indefinitely, assumes full control over new legislation for up to 4 years.
• Emir cites prolonged government-parliament bickering as reason for dissolution.
• Suspension of constitutional provisions grants Emir and cabinet powers of National Assembly.
• This is the second parliament dissolution in 2023, amid tensions over corruption and development plans.
• Move raises concerns about erosion of democratic institutions and individual freedoms in Kuwait.