Kuwait has announced its new government headed by Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, which includes the appointment of businessman Saad Al-Barrak as Minister of Oil and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, while keeping Manaf Abdulaziz Al-Hajri as Minister of Finance. The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported on Sunday that a royal decree for the new ministerial formation was signed by Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who holds most of the Emir's powers.
The new formation includes the appointment of Sheikh Ahmed Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, while Sheikh Talal Khalid Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah remains as First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah continues as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
This government comes after parliamentary elections held on June 6, which resulted in a complex parliamentary scene where a majority of deputies traditionally known for their opposition to previous governments were elected.
**Ongoing Conflict Between Government and Parliament**
Kuwait has been experiencing an ongoing conflict between the government and parliament for years, disrupting economic and financial reform plans, particularly the approval of the Public Debt Law. The general budget relies on oil revenues for 90% of its funding. The International Monetary Fund stated on June 5 that high oil prices are assisting Kuwait in recovering from pandemic-related pressure on its public finances, but passing the new Public Debt Law soon is crucial.
Following a severe crisis between a previous government led by Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled and the opposition, the Crown Prince dissolved the 2020 parliament in the previous year and called for new elections, held in September, where a majority of opposing deputies won. However, the Constitutional Court ruled in March that the 2022 elections were invalid, reinstating the 2020 parliament, which was not in agreement with the new government headed by Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Sabah, the son of the Emir.
On May 1, the 2020 parliament was dissolved again by a royal decree, returning the matter to the people to choose their representatives anew.
