By B Izzak
KUWAIT: An Amiri decree was issued on Sunday appointing Sharida Al-Maousherji as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs. Maousherji returns to the Cabinet after a 12-year absence. HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Sunday at Seif Palace HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who presented Maousherji as the new minister. Maousherji took the constitutional oath before HH the Amir in the presence of high-ranking officials.
Maousherji raises the number of Cabinet ministers to 15, including HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, and the government still needs one more portfolio for the interior ministry, which is currently being managed by Defense Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah. Maousherji served for 14 years as the secretary general of the National Assembly before he was selected for his first Cabinet post in 2007. He remained in the Cabinet until 2012.
The Assembly will hold a special session on Monday to allow HH the Prime Minister to take the oath to become the Deputy Amir during the absence of HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah abroad, based on a decree issued last week.
Under Kuwaiti law, after assuming the post, the prime minister will effectively carry out the duties of the ruler, but he cannot head the government or attend its meetings and those of the National Assembly. The defense minister was appointed acting prime minister during this period. During the Assembly meeting, members of the new Cabinet will also take the oath to become members of parliament, in accordance with Kuwaiti law.