Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammed al-Ahmed al-SabahKUWAIT CITY, March 17: The Kuwaiti cabinet resigned on Monday alleging that the opposition-dominated Parliament refused to cooperate, in the latest political crisis to hit the country. The move raised the prospects of a new dissolution of Parliament and early elections, amid rising sectarian tensions and non-stop confrontations between MPs and the government. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, a nephew of HH the Amir, handed the letter of resignation to HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as the Amir is out of the country. During the weekly cabinet meeting, First Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Sabah earlier tendered the resignation of cabinet ministers en masse to the prime minister, citing non-cooperation from MPs.
“It is regrettable that we have been confronted with obstructive positions and practices” from MPs, the defence minister said in the letter, which was made public. Sheikh Jaber added that MPs “have refused to respond positively to the extended hand of government and its appeals for a constructive cooperation. “Our political scene has lately witnessed events that undermine our national unity, in addition to confrontations, crises and violations of parliamentary norms,” he said in a clear reference to sectarian tensions. Kuwait has been experiencing sectarian tensions after activists from the Shiite minority held a rally last month to mourn former Lebanese Hezbollah commander Imad Moughniyah, killed in a car bombing in Damascus. On the economic front, Parliament was due to vote Tuesday on a law to increase salaries for Kuwaiti citizens by an extra KD 50 ($188) a month despite strong opposition by the government.
The government last month already raised the salaries of citizens by KD 120 ($450), but that increase was seen as inadequate by a majority of MPs. Under the Kuwaiti Constitution, the Amir can either accept the cabinet’s resignation and ask the current premier or a new one to form a government, or dissolve Parliament and call for early elections. Parliament was last dissolved in May 2006 following a standoff with the government, leading to early elections in June in which women took part for the first time. “I believe that Parliament is going to be dissolved soon and early elections will be held. But this will not resolve Kuwait’s ongoing crises,” political analyst Ayed al-Manna told AFP.
He said such crises would continue as long as the Kuwaiti political system was not fundamentally reformed.“The solution to our crisis is through allowing the establishment of political parties so the government can enjoy the support of a majority in Parliament,” Manna added.Political parties are banned in Kuwait, although the government allows political groupings, considered as de facto parties, to operate.The Amir had faced calls to sack the government, appoint a new premier and hold early parliamentary polls.Leading liberal MP Ahmad Al-Mulaifi last week said the government should go and called for changes within the ruling Al-Sabah family. He said the premier had failed to carry out reforms and resolve the nation’s crisis.Sheikh Nasser was appointed premier for the first time two years ago.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Faisal Al-Hajji quoted excerpts of the letter as follows; “It was a great honor for us to be entrusted by His Highness the Amir to the ministerial posts in order to serve our dear homeland.“However, we faced regrettable obstacles notably the tense relationship between the legislative and executive authorities, the deviation of the concept of parliamentary representation, the infringement on the national unity and the violation of guidelines outlined by the constitution and the internal statutes of the National Assembly.“The MPs rebuffed the government call for cooperation and achievement of the aspirations of the citizens and tended to practices that could undermine our national unity and security.“Some MPs tended to transgress the constitutional rules and parliamentary norms with a view to escalate the tension with the government and meddle in the affairs of ministers,” according to the letter of resignation.“Such practices widened the gap between the government and the Parliament and shrank the chances of positive cooperation between the two authorities.“The government is no longer able to discharge its duties and responsibilities and push forward the desired development, thus fuelling the feelings of frustration and resentment among the citizens.“For the above reasons, and in the light of the general atmosphere in the region that necessitate effective cooperation manipulation of all potentials, my colleagues and I deemed it necessary to tender our resignation to your highness.“We expect your highness to take as usual the wise decision to serve the higher national interests of the nation,” Al-Hajji added citing the letter.Meanwhile, the Cabinet’s resignation on Monday created a multitude of reactions among the MPs with some saying the decision came at the right time while others predicted it will lead to the dissolution of the Parliament.MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei said the resignation was “unexpected considering the Parliament has shown its willingness to cooperate with the Cabinet. There were several attempts to dissolve the National Assembly but MPs have shown tolerance and coordination, which eased the tension in the country. The Cabinet’s decision clearly manifests the worsening relations between the two authorities.” Al-Tabtabaei added approval of the resignation signals the beginning of moves to dissolve the Parliament.Meanwhile, MP Mohamed Al-Saqer blamed some MPs for spearheading actions to aggravate the tension, which resulted in the Cabinet’s resignation. Al-Saqer said the resignation was unexpected but previous incidents, particularly heated talks on the removal of diwaniyas built on state properties, had somehow given the public an inkling that the resignation is inevitable. Also, he has not discounted the possibility that this decision will lead to the dissolution of the Parliament. Indicating the Cabinet’s resignation is ‘good news’, MP Ali Al-Deqbasi pointed out “Kuwait is in dire need of a strong and impartial Cabinet.” He hoped the new Cabinet will protect public welfare and comply with the constitution. He also asserted that cooperation between the two authorities is an essential requirement and a constitutional duty. Al-Deqbasi confirmed there is a high probability that the five constituencies electoral system will be implemented in the next parliamentary elections.MP Ahmed Baqer agreed with his colleagues, saying, “the Cabinet made a right decision as per the law and constitution.” He said the Cabinet has failed to win the support of the majority at the Parliament from the beginning due to its inability to efficiently execute its programs. “Various issues turned out to be sources of conflict. Lack of cooperation between the two authorities as well as the worsening conditions of the state have made it essential for the Cabinet to resign,” he opined.Blaming both the Cabinet and Parliament for the escalation of tension in the country, Dr Ali Al-Omair said the Cabinet resigned in the nick of time. This decision, he added, will prevent an imminent political crisis and give the new government a chance to carry out the instructions of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. On the possible dissolution of the Parliament, Al-Omair said this will give Kuwaitis an opportunity to wisely choose their representatives.Meanwhile, Convener of the Independent Islamic Bloc MP Jaber Al-Muhailbi stressed the Cabinet should explain its decision. He said the bloc has expressed satisfaction over the resignation of the Cabinet which, he believes, is weak and incompetent. He has also refuted the Cabinet’s allegation that the Parliament is uncooperative. Criticizing the government for its inability to address various issues, such as the KD 50 additional increment and organization of diwaniyas, MP Mizel Al-Nimran said the Parliament has always been supportive of the Cabinet. “The Parliament has given in to the demands of the Cabinet several times in the past, such as the postponement or cancellation of some proposals, especially the no-confidence vote for Minister of Education and Higher Education Nouriya Al-Subaih,” he argued.
“We have expected the Cabinet’s resignation since its formation due the absence of effective planning, no sense of responsibility and strained relations with the Parliament,” says MP Jamal Al-Omar adding there are numerous indicators of the Cabinet’s failures and inability to address the issues.
Islamic Independent Bloc members MPs Abdullah Akash and Saad Al-Shurai commended the Cabinet for its resignation. Both MPs also accused the Cabinet of obstructing the development process in the country. Since the Cabinet is weak, Al-Shurai said its resignation is the only acceptable decision, especially after walking out of the National Assembly session hall during the voting on the proposed KD 50 additional increment for Kuwaiti employees.
MP Dr Daifallah Buramiya, however, believes the Cabinet announced its resignation later than expected. Describing the Cabinet as ‘incompetent, a failure and paralyzed’, he said the executive authority has failed to address many pressing issues, such as the condolence meeting for slain Hezbollah commander Imad Moughniyah and the KD 50 increment. MP Mussein Mezyed stressed the Cabinet’s resignation is a way to escape from any confrontation due to its inability to handle several pending issues, particularly those concerning public welfare. “The resignation came at a time when the Parliament is preparing for a crucial session,” Mezyed pointed out. Asserting the Cabinet is like a ‘social’ disease, MP Mohammed Al-Mutair urged the Cabinet members to stand firm in their decision to improve the worsening condition of the country.