Kuwait Emir Appoints Prime Minister as His Deputy

The official Kuwait News Agency announced today, Wednesday, that the Emir of the country, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has issued an order appointing the Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, as Deputy to the Emir during his absence from the country. The agency stated that the second article of the emirate decree stipulates that "this procedure will remain in effect until the appointment of a Crown Prince." The constitution mandates that the Emir appoints a deputy to exercise his powers in the event of his absence from the country and if the Crown Prince is unable to act on his behalf. The constitution grants the Emir one year to choose a Crown Prince and present him to the National Assembly (parliament) for approval in a special session with the consent of the majority of members. The agency also reported that an emiri decree was issued appointing the Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Sabah as Prime Minister during the period in which the Prime Minister serves as Deputy to the Emir.