Dubai:: Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah accepted on Sunday the resignation of the government, state news agency Kuna reported, as thecountry’s rulers seek to end a feud with lawmakers that has hindered fiscal reforms.
Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah submitted on November 8 the resignation of his cabinet, formed in March.
An Emiri decree asked the outgoing government to remain in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed, Kuna said.
The disagreement centres on the prime minister having been granted temporary immunity by parliament protecting him against questioning from MPs on issues including handling the COVID-19 pandemic and corruption until the end of 2022.
It has hindered efforts to boost state finances — hit hard last year by low oil prices and the pandemic — and enact a debt law needed to tap global markets.
IOn Sunday. Kuwaiti authorities released 20 citizens pardoned under an amnesty from the Emir, Kuwaiti media reported.
The pardoned inmates were convicted of covering up defendants in a 2015 case related to a group charged with spying for Iran and Hezbollah, dubbed Al Abadli Cell.
A large crowd of the inmates’ relatives gathered outside the Central Prison and warmly welcomed them upon release.
Kuwait’s official gazette “Kuwait Today” has published two decrees from the Emir, pardoning and commuting jail terms of a total of 35 Kuwaitis.
The amnesty was long sought by the Kuwaiti opposition in the parliament to end a standoff with the government.
