Kuwait parliament dissolved over corruption

THE Gulf state of Kuwait has been cast into political uncertainty after its ruler suspended the national parliament, saying that corruption had permeated every institution.

Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmed Al Sabah, said he would suspend the parliament for up to four years, declaring that he had made the move “to save the country”.

“Unfortunately, we have faced some unimaginable, unbearable difficulties and impediments,” the 83-year-old said on Friday, according to the state news agency, a reference to the gridlock that has held back Kuwait’s development.

He added: “We were left with no option other than taking this hard decision to rescue the country and protect its higher national interests and

‘The unhealthy atmosphere in previous years has encouraged the spread of corruption’

resources of the nation. I will not allow that democracy will be exploited to destroy the state.”

Kuwait had held elections to its national parliament in April. Parliament was set to meet for the first time tomorrow, but several parliamentarians had reportedly refused to attend.

In the broadcast, the country’s ruler said: “The unhealthy atmosphere experienced by Kuwait in previous years has encouraged the spread of corruption to reach most state facilities, and unfortunately it reached the security and economic institutions.”

Mr Al Sabah only became ruler in the country’s hereditary system last year and dissolved the parliament in favour of new elections shortly after.

Kuwait has faced increasing conflict between its parliament and the hereditary rulership in recent years as it seeks to cut its reliance on oil revenues as its primary source of income.

Kuwait last suspended sittings of its national assembly in the 1980s.