Prime Minister Appointed Deputy Ruler by Kuwaiti Emir During His Absence

Typically filled by the country's crown prince, the role remains vacant as no one has been appointed yet.

In Kuwait City, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah leads a weekly cabinet session.

Emir Sheikh Meshal of Kuwait has designated Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah as the Deputy Emir in his absence. Additionally, Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, will assume the role of prime minister during these periods.

The Kuwait News Agency, citing a royal decree, reported that this arrangement will continue until the appointment of the crown prince, who traditionally holds the position of deputy ruler.

Recently appointed as Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed is currently formulating his government plan. The cabinet is set to present it to parliament on February 6.

Following the passing of his predecessor Sheikh Nawaf in December, Sheikh Meshal, previously the Crown Prince, officially became the Ruler. Constitutionally, he has up to a year to nominate a crown prince.

As per Kuwait’s constitution, a crown prince’s nomination becomes official only if the parliament swears fealty to him in a special session. If not approved, Sheikh Meshal must nominate at least three descendants of Sheikh Mubarak Al Sabah, with one needing majority approval in parliament as the next heir apparent.

Observers speculate that Sheikh Meshal may take time in appointing a crown prince due to the ageing line of succession. At 80 years old when appointed as Crown Prince in 2020, his decision will be crucial for Kuwait's future direction.

Bader Alsaif, an assistant professor of history at Kuwait University, emphasizes the need for reforms. Regardless of whether Kuwait experiences its first generational shift in decades for the crown prince, addressing various fronts is imperative amidst the current political stability.