Kuwait cabinet resigns following calls for corruption probe

Jaber Al Mubarak submitted his resignation on Thursday, dissolving his administration

A general view of Kuwait's National Assembly during the inauguration of the 14th Legislative Term of the National Assembly in Kuwait. AP, File

Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al Sabah submitted his government’s resignation on Thursday, in order for Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Sabah "rearrange governmental tasks", the administration's spokesman Tareq Al Mezrem said.

Kuwaiti parliamentarians on Tuesday filed a motion of no-confidence in Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid Al Jarrah.

Sheikh Sabah is yet to accept the cabinet’s resignation or began forming a new government.

Parliament questioned Sheikh Khalid on Tuesday over claims he abuse of power, which he rejected. Public Works Minister Jenan Mohsen Hassan Ramadan stood down on Friday after being questioned regarding the government handling of flooding after heavy rains.

Hundreds of Kuwaitis gathered earlier this week for a protest outside parliament protesting a lack of action by the government on corruption. They called on Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim to stand down.

The sit-in was organised with government permission by former MP Saleh Al Moulla who made the call online with the slogan “That’s enough!”

However, commenting on the resignation of the cabinet, Mr Al Ghanim said that Sheikh Sabah has no intention of dissolving parliament.

Frictions between the cabinet and parliament have led to frequent reshuffles or the dissolution of parliament.

In the past, several Kuwaiti cabinets or ministers have resigned when faced with corruption probes or when ministers are set to appear before MPs regarding contentious topics.