Kuwait’s National Assembly dissolved, constitution articles suspended for four years

• His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah, said, “I cannot overlook the actions of certain governments that have committed serious violations and transgressions due to parliamentary pressure or misguided and ineffective efforts, resulting in a negative impact on the public interest.”

• His Highness the Amir said, “Kuwait has faced challenging times that have had repercussions at all levels, leading to a negative reality. As stewards of this country and its loyal people, we endeavored to provide advice and guidance to navigate through these circumstances with minimal losses.”

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah, may God protect and preserve him, decreed the “dissolution of the National Assembly and the suspension of certain articles of the Constitution. This suspension will last for a period not exceeding four years, during which a comprehensive review of the democratic process will be undertaken.”

This came in a speech delivered by His Highness this evening, the text of which follows: “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to God Almighty. He created man and chose him. He called him to strive and work. May blessings and peace be upon His Messenger and chosen one, Muhammad bin Abdullah, and upon his family, companions, and those who follow him. God Almighty says in His Holy Book: ‘Obey God and His Messenger and do not dispute, lest you fail and lose your strength.’ Great truth of God.”

“My dear countrymen, during the recent period, Kuwait has faced challenging times that have had repercussions at all levels, leading to a negative reality. As stewards of this country and its loyal people, we endeavored to provide advice and guidance to navigate through these circumstances with minimal losses. Unfortunately, we encountered insurmountable difficulties and obstacles,” His Highness said.

His Highness further said, “Whether we imagine it or endure it, some individuals sought to block every avenue through which we tried to navigate our harsh reality. This leaves us with no choice but to make the difficult decision to save our country, secure its highest interests, and safeguard the capabilities of our loyal people, who deserve utmost appreciation and respect.”

“Dear people of my country, democratic governance, as a way of life and work, imposes a high degree of organization on public authorities and the clear delineation of their roles within a vision that aims for achievement.

“This vision mandates numerous checks on legislative and executive authorities to ensure their adherence to its provisions. These checks are absolute and cannot be altered or evaded. No party or authority can deviate from them, criticize them within its factions, or attempt to circumvent them. They remain in effect to enforce the Constitution’s principles upon those to whom it speaks, and its regulations serve as a guiding principle for every authority, overseeing its actions and movements regardless of differences, and forming the basis for its directives,” His Highness added.

“During past periods, and even just a few days ago, we witnessed behaviors and actions that contradicted established constitutional principles. Some individuals made threats and pledged to initiate inquiries just to reinstate a minister to their position.”

“Others objected to the nomination of certain individuals, either out of forgetfulness, ignorance, or deliberate intent, disregarding the fact that the selection of the prime minister and their cabinet members is an exclusive constitutional prerogative of the head of state. No one should breach its boundaries, encroach upon its jurisdiction, or meddle within its domain,” His Highness said.

“The persistence has reached intolerable limits, as it undermines constitutional values and wastes the democratic principles we have embraced as a means to serve the public interest.”

“Regrettably, we observe some individuals whose persistence goes as far as interfering in the core powers of the Amir and intruding into his selection of the crown prince, forgetting that this is a well-defined constitutional right of the Amir,” His Highness added.

“When the Amir nominates someone for the role of crown prince, the roles of other authorities come into play according to the constitution, and not before that under any circumstances. I must also emphasize that the sources of national wealth should not be neglected or exploited in a manner that depletes their resources and undermines the nation’s interests through proposals that squander public funds and fail to serve the public good. Instead, these proposals should contribute to the advancement of the national economy and align with the objectives of the development plan,” His Highness the Amir said.

“Oh dear people of Kuwait, the unhealthy atmosphere that Kuwait endured in previous years facilitated the widespread corruption that infiltrated most state institutions and regrettably even reached the security and economic sectors. This corruption even affected the judiciary, which should be a sanctuary for people to safeguard their rights and freedoms, ensuring that it remains a beacon of justice, a defender of rights, and a protector of freedoms. We stand firmly in support of it, with full confidence that the judiciary, with the help of its dedicated members, is capable of cleansing itself. May God grant them success in this honorable endeavor,” His Highness the Amir said.

“Everyone must understand that no one is exempt from the law. Those who illicitly acquire public funds will face consequences, irrespective of their position or authority. I will never permit democracy to be manipulated to undermine the state, as the well-being of the people of Kuwait, which supersedes all other concerns, is entrusted to us. It is our responsibility to safeguard and defend these interests. Just as our predecessors were committed to fortifying its principles and passing its legacy to us, our duty and commitment are to pass on the torch of democracy to future generations, proudly soaring in our nation’s skies,” His Highness the Amir said.

“I cannot overlook the actions of certain governments that have committed serious violations and transgressions due to parliamentary pressure or misguided and ineffective efforts, resulting in a negative impact on the public interest. This has led to convicted individuals of treason being set free due to these unacceptable practices. I will never allow such occurrences to repeat under any circumstances.”

“Furthermore, I must emphasize unequivocally that security is of utmost importance, and we will prioritize efforts to achieve this goal. As such, we will begin by reassessing social security laws.”

“Whoever enters the country unknowingly and unjustly assumes its nationality, whoever claims an ancestry that is not theirs, or who holds dual nationality or is tempted to resort to fraud to obtain it, and those who have benefited from the country’s resources without entitlement, have deprived the deserving people of Kuwait,” His Highness the Amir said.

“The state is founded on two fundamental pillars: security and the judiciary. These negative phenomena will not persist and will be addressed through meticulously planned measures implemented by trustworthy individuals from among the people of Kuwait.”

The Amir said, “A warm greeting to the security personnel who safeguard the interests of the people and bear the responsibility of maintaining security in our country. Their dedication ensures that citizens can rest peacefully, knowing that their security and freedom are being watched over.”

Allow me to be frank: Respect for security personnel is tantamount to respect for the government, and I will not tolerate any compromise to their prestige and respect while they carry out their official duties,” His Highness the Amir added.