Kuwait cabinet resignation accepted

Emir instructs the outgoing prime minister to form new government.

kuwaiti emir
The emir called for fresh polls earlier this year to solve a previous parliament- government standoff[AP]

“This is a chance to resolve the negative [issues].”

He said that no timeframe had been set for the formation of a new cabinet.

Cabinet resigns

The cabinet resigned last month in protest at a request by three Sunni parliamentarians to question the prime minister, though the emir did not immediately accept the mass resignation.

The three parliamentarians objected to the Sheikh Nasser’s decision to allow a visit by an Iranian Shia cleric, who they claimed had insulted the Prophet Mohammad’s companions.

The three had also wanted to question the prime minister over alleged corruption and mismanagement of funds.

The political crisis jeopardises planned economic changes, such as a plan to set up a markets regulator a bid Kuwaitis hope will reverse months of economic decline.

Poor relations

The emir dissolved parliament and called fresh elections earlier this year to resolve a previous standoff between parliament and the government, but relations do not appear to have improved.

The last assembly dedicated much time to questioning ministers and there have been multiple changes in the government lineup over the past two years.

As a result, a number of ministers have stepped down under parliamentary pressure.

The Kuwaiti parliament has dissolved five times since 1976 to avoid questioning sessions and the no-confidence votes that often follow.

Meanwhile, Kuwaitis have voiced growing frustration at the political upheavals they say are holding their country back at a time when the country is feeling the impact of the global financial crisis.

Source: News Agencies