KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday separately received National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah and Head of the Supreme Judicial Council and Court of Cassation Justice Dr Adel Bouresli at Seif Palace.

HH Sheikh Ahmad resigned last week and HH the Amir accepted the resignation, asking the Cabinet to continue as a caretaker government. The Amir is expected to start constitutional consultations soon to name a prime minister to form the new Cabinet. He could reappoint HH Sheikh Ahmad or name a new figure. In his consultations, HH the Amir will receive current and former speakers and prime ministers.

A number of lawmakers on Sunday submitted a motion calling on the National Assembly to hold a special session to debate critical remarks made by HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal after taking the oath in the Assembly. After swearing in to assume his constitutional powers as the new Amir, HH Sheikh Mishal strongly criticized MPs and the government for unanimously taking decisions harmful to national interests.

Only a few lawmakers signed the motion, but others are expected to sign. Over the weekend, about 32 MPs out of the 50-seat Assembly issued a statement in which they congratulated HH the Amir on his appointment, adding all decisions the Assembly had taken were for the service of the country and the people.

Meanwhile, the Assembly’s financial and economic affairs committee voted to approve proposals calling to raise the cost-of-living allowance by KD 130 to reach KD 250 per month for all Kuwaiti employees in the public and private sectors, and also for retirees. The committee also agreed to raise interest-free loans for retired citizens from seven times their pension to 15 times. Repayment has also been made easier.

Five lawmakers submitted a proposal calling to set up a special authority for artificial intelligence. MP Abdullah Fahhad on Sunday submitted a proposal calling to provide thousands of stateless people, known as bedoons, civil rights until their problem is resolved. Under the proposal, bedoons will be given permanent residency, free medical care, education and other services. They will also get birth, death and marriage certificates, in addition to driving licenses.