Kuwait: Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid named as crown prince

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal has appointed Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah as the new Crown Prince. Sheikh Sabah served as Kuwait’s Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022. His cabinet resigned in 2022 after prolonged tensions with the National Assembly, and he faced impending parliamentary questioning over his ministerial choices.

Sheikh Sabah’s nomination is historic, being the first Crown Prince from the Al Hamad branch of the Mubarak line of the ruling Al Sabah family. Previously, all rulers and crown princes were from the Al Jaber or Al Salem branches. Additionally, he is the first Crown Prince whose father was not an Emir.

Sheikh Sabah's political career includes roles as Kuwait's Foreign Minister from 2011 to 2019 and as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1995 to 1998. He also served as the chief of national security between 1998 and 2006.

Typically, parliamentary endorsement is required for the Crown Prince nomination. However, Sheikh Meshal dissolved parliament and suspended parts of the constitution last month, citing interference from opposition politicians, including in the selection of the Crown Prince.

In his speech last month, Sheikh Meshal criticized the exploitation of the political system and asserted his authority in choosing the Crown Prince, aiming to prevent political exploitation.

Political disputes between appointed government members and elected MPs have frequently led to stalemates. April's elections, the fourth since December 2020, saw the opposition retaining a significant presence in parliament. Opposition MPs have accused ministers of corruption, while the government has blamed parliament for obstructing development plans.