The Crown Prince of Kuwait announced on Wednesday June 22 the dissolution of the Assembly and the forthcoming organization of legislative elections, the Gulf oil country having been plunged for several years into an interminable political crisis between the executive and Parliament.
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Among the world's major crude oil exporters, Kuwait is the only Arab Gulf country to live to the rhythm of a turbulent political life, with MPs who regularly take ministers to task.
The ruling Al-Sabah family nevertheless retains the keys to power.
"
We have decided to dissolve the National Assembly and call legislative elections
," said Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al-Sabah, calling on "
the people of Kuwait to elect a new chamber that can assume a great responsibility in maintaining the stability of the state
".
Corruption and mismanagement
The decree of dissolution will be published in the coming months, he added during a televised address without specifying a date.
The Kuwaiti opposition had strengthened its ranks during the last legislative election in December 2020, with 24 deputies elected out of the 50 seats in the National Assembly.
In Kuwait, the first Gulf country to adopt a parliamentary system in 1962, MPs are normally elected for four-year terms, with women granted the right to vote and stand in 2005.
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The elected officials enjoy significant powers, not hesitating to put on the grill ministers belonging to the royal family accused of mismanagement or even corruption.
In April, the government itself resigned as MPs prepared to question Prime Minister Sabah Khaled al-Sabah, accused of "
unconstitutional
" practices, including corruption.
The government, set up in December 2021, manages day-to-day affairs pending the formation of a new cabinet.
