Kuwait is replacing the boards of major government entities, a far-reaching overhaul in the OPEC nation where the crown prince has vowed to end political deadlock.
(Bloomberg) —
Kuwait is replacing the boards of major government entities, a far-reaching overhaul in the OPEC nation where the crown prince has vowed to end political deadlock.
The cabinet issued directives to ministers asking for the current boards to be canceled as of Sunday, Al Qabas reported without saying where it got the information. Committees will evaluate heads of the boards and other members, and reappoint those worthy of positions, the paper said. The decision could lead to mergers of some government agencies.
Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah has already replaced key figures in government. The latest overhaul will prepare Kuwait for “a new era with new leaders,” Al Qabas said.
It was unclear if the $769 billion wealth fund Kuwait Investment Authority, or the central bank, would be included in the revamp. The fund has faced turmoil over its London-based arm. The decision doesn’t apply to boards that were recently formed, and is therefore unlikely to include that of state oil group Kuwait Petroleum Corp.
Years of policy paralysis and claims of corruption have created widespread discontent among citizens in Kuwait. While little is known about the replacements, many Kuwaitis are embracing any change as positive.
Government officials contacted by Bloomberg couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Kuwait Ruler Dissolves Parliament, Calls Polls Amid Deadlock
Kuwait has gone through major political upheaval in the past two years, even by the standards of a country known for deep domestic frictions and frequent elections. Its top leadership changed in 2020 after Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah succeeded his half brother, who had managed the main levers of power for decades.
The crown prince announced the dissolution of parliament in a statement on behalf of the emir in June and called for fresh elections, set to take place Sept. 29.
The emir blamed discord between lawmakers and the government for months of political turbulence that have paralyzed policymaking in the OPEC nation, and said the move was aimed at addressing the issue.
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