Kuwait's ruler reappoints Sheikh Sabah as prime minister

Sheikh Sabah's government resigned on January 13, just weeks after parliamentary election

Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid addresses the Kuwaiti parliament on December 15, 2020 during the first session held after elections. Reuters

The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Sabah issued a decree on Sunday to reappoint Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid as prime minister after the Cabinet resigned earlier this month.

The resignation of the government followed a standoff with Parliament.

"His Highness the Emir assigned Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid to submit his Cabinet line-up for approval," state news agency Kuna reported.

Sheikh Sabah submitted his government's resignation to Sheikh Nawaf on January 13, days before the prime minister was due to be questioned in Parliament over his choice of ministers and other issues.

The government said the resignation was prompted by "developments in the relationship between the National Assembly and the government".

The December 5 elections were the first since Sheikh Nawaf took office as emir in September after the death of his half-brother, Sheikh Sabah, at the age of 91.

Kuwait’s parliament comprises mostly new faces after voters returned only 19 of the 44 sitting members who sought re-election last month.

In addition to its elected members, Cabinet ministers also sit in parliament.

Kuwait’s parliament has the power to pass legislation and question ministers, while senior government posts are occupied by members of the ruling family.