KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Wednesday appointed HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah as the Deputy Amir who will lead the country throughout HH the Amir’s absence abroad. The unprecedented decision was taken because a crown prince has not been appointed so far. Under the constitution, the crown prince becomes the deputy Amir during his absence.

HH the Amir said this measure would remain valid until a crown prince is named. The decree stipulates that HH the Prime Minister should inform the National Assembly of this order and that it takes effect once published in the official gazette.

Another Amiri decree was issued appointing Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah as acting premier during the Amir’s absence abroad, while HH the Prime Minister assumes the role of Deputy Amir. The decree also stipulates that HH the Prime Minister should inform the Assembly of this decree and it takes effect once published in the official gazette.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah

Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun later in the day invited MPs for a special Assembly session to be convened on Monday, Jan 29 at the request of the government. During the session, the prime minister and the ministers, who are not elected MPs, will take the oath to become members of parliament. In addition, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad will take the constitutional oath to become Deputy Amir during the absence of HH the Amir abroad.

HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal received a letter on Wednesday from HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad, in which the premier expressed gratitude to HH the Amir for appointing him as Deputy Amir, promising to take on the role with integrity, thanking HH the Amir for the valued trust.

Under the constitution, to become Deputy Amir, the prime minister must take the constitutional oath in the National Assembly. During his time as Deputy Amir, he cannot head the government nor take part in its meetings, for which the defense minister has been appointed. He also cannot also attend Assembly sessions. The appointment of the prime minister as Deputy Amir has no precedence in the country’s political history and was necessitated because no crown prince has been appointed.

HH Sheikh Mishal took the constitutional oath to become Amir on Dec 20 and has one year from that date to name a crown prince. Under the constitution, he will name a crown prince who must be approved by the National Assembly. If for any reason, the Assembly rejects the appointment, HH the Amir is required to name three people from whom the Assembly will elect one.