Political arena abuzz with govt reshuffle talks

Panel set to discuss Early Retirement Bill

By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 8: No legislation has been passed since the inauguration of the third session of the 15th legislative term of the National Assembly more than a month ago despite the enthusiasm of MPs to approve draft laws anticipated by the public such as the Early Retirement Bill.

The Finance and Economic Affairs Committee will meet on Sunday to discuss the bill including the amendments and proposals presented by the government and some MPs. The committee intends to finalize its report on the bill to pave way for its discussion in the session scheduled for Tuesday.

In contrast, MPs have been preoccupied with parliamentary queries with a total of 141 queries recorded in November alone compared with only five proposals.

In addition, several MPs have threatened to submit interpellation motions against the ministers of Public Works, Oil and Housing Affairs; but the actual grilling request submitted so far is against HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

However, in line with the instruction and under the guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Assembly decided in its last session to refer the interpellation request to the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee to determine if it is constitutional or not. The committee will finalize discussion on the request after taking into consideration the inputs of MP Shu’aib Al-Muwaizri – the proponent of the interpellation – during their meeting on Monday.

Furthermore, the local political arena is abuzz with talk about the possibility of a government reshuffle, especially since some ministers have been hinting on resigning and others have already submitted their resignation like Minister of Public Works and State Minister for Municipality Affairs Hosaam Al-Roumi.

The recent flood crisis is said to be the cause of tension between the government and Parliament. MPs are adamant about holding accountable those behind the crisis and using their parliamentary tools to put pressure on the government because they believe the current formation is weak.

Political observers and analysts think the reshuffle will ease the growing tension between the two authorities.

MP Saleh Ashour said the news on the reshuffle means the government will either cooperate with its legislative counterpart or initiate confrontation with lawmakers.