Kuwait’s emir accepts resignation of deputy PM 

Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has accepted the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil, Emad Al-Ateeqi, and has appointed Noura Al-Fusam as minister of finance and minister of state for economic affairs and investment.

According to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the decision was formalised in two royal decrees issued on Sunday evening. The first decree announced the resignation of Al-Ateeqi from his role, without citing any reasons. Al-Ateeqi returned to Kuwait on 15 August after undergoing medical treatment in Turkiye.

The second decree appointed Noura Al-Fusam as the minister of finance and minister of state for economic affairs and investment, in addition to her role as acting minister of oil.

This marks the second reshuffle in the government of Ahmed Abdullah Al-Sabah, which was formed on 12 May. The first cabinet reshuffle was on 25 August and included the appointment of four new ministers and the departure of two others. The reshuffle did not affect key ministries such as defence, foreign affairs and interior.

Kuwait elected a new parliament in April, the first under the reign of the current emir, who assumed power in December. The country’s first government under the new emir was appointed in January headed by Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. However, it resigned following the elections as part of constitutional procedures.

Kuwait has a history of political crises between the national assembly and the government, resulting in the dissolution of parliament on multiple occasions and frequent government resignations.

READ: Kuwait’s emir forms new govern’t with 13 ministers in Cabinet