Emir backed as he attacks lawmakers

Manama Kuwaitis welcomed the unprecedented attack by their Emir, Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, on the parliament and called on its members to submit their resignations for stalling development.

"Thank you for mentioning the truth that everyone should know even though it is bitter," Abdul Rahman Al Hussaini wrote in his comments on Alaan online. "We have had enough of the pompous slogans uttered by MPs who should be ashamed of where they have taken Kuwait because of their stubbornness to serve their own interests."

Abu Jamal said that the Emir should step in vigorously to end the term of the parliament.

"The parliament has disappointed the people, and we, the people of Kuwait, urge you to dissolve it as soon as possible so that we can get rid of corrupt lawmakers and their supporters who have stalled development," he wrote.

Greater opportunities

According to Mohammad, a blogger, there is a need to amend the constitution to permit greater development opportunities.

"Kuwait badly needs to move forward, but this is not happening because the parliament is focusing on wasting money to win the hearts and minds of potential voters," he wrote.

"The parliament has obviously failed to use wisely the impressive surplus of wealth. It has worked on salary increases that are not necessary and putting pressure to employ people in a way that simply compounded disguised unemployment."

However, Salem Al Hajri said that the government should also be blamed for the lack of development.

"The parliament did not stall the government. We need to change the ministers and officials who have been in their posts for decades, but have kept the same old mindset and mentality. We need some fresh air," he said.

Yousuf, another Kuwaiti blogger, said that the government should assume its responsibilities in educating people.

"We need the government to promote awareness about people's constitutional rights. Citizens should appreciate their role in building society. Why can't the government draft a plan to help people better understand the constitution? The government needs to act."

Lingering turmoil

In an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung published on Monday, the Emir accused the parliament of obstructing development and blamed the constitution for lingering political turmoil

"Parliament has disappointed the aspirations of the Kuwaiti people. It has wasted a golden opportunity and a lot of time discussing issues totally far away from development projects," the Emir told the German daily at the start of a European tour that includes Italy and the Vatican.