Kuwait’s crown prince has urged the legislative and executive branches to focus on the country’s development and put an end a prolonged feud and “petty matters” that have wasted time and money.
In a moving speech at yesterday’s opening of parliament, Shaikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah said, “We hope for an end of the time of tension and escalation in the relationship between members of the legislative and executive authorities... There has been enough waste of painstaking efforts, precious time and squandered money.”
Opposition figures made big gains in legislative polls in September after Shaikh Meshal dissolved parliament in a bid to end the stalemate. Before that he appointed Shaikh Ahmad Nawaf Al Sabah as prime minister at a time opposition legislators stepped up pressure for a new premier and parliament speaker.
Shaikh Meshal yesterday pledged that the government would not interfere in the selection of the parliament speaker or parliamentary committees.
Later, parliament chose Ahmed Al Saadoun as speaker, a position he held from 1985-1999. Prime Minister Shaikh Ahmad told parliament his government would safeguard public funds and take a tough stand on corruption, a key issue for many citizens along with jobs.
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