Saudi king deposes crown prince, names son as successor

By Ramazan Turgut

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AA) – Saudi Arabia's king has appointed his son Mohammed bin Salman as his crown prince, deposing his nephew Mohammed bin Nayef.

In a royal decree early Wednesday, King Salman bin Abdulaziz placed deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, 31, as the first in line to the throne.

The decree relieved prince Mohammed bin Nayef, 57, from his position as the deputy prime minister and interior minister.

Prince Mohamed bin Salman, who holds the defense portfolio, will now be the deputy prime minister.

The royal decree said the appointment of Mohammed bin Salman has been supported by 31 members of the 34-member allegiance board.

Saudi Arabia's Al-Ekhbariya TV said Mohamed bin Nayef has pledged allegiance to the new crown prince.

The Saudi king also issued a decree amending Saudi Arabia's rule system.

According to the amendment, the ruler of the kingdom will be appointed from among the sons and grandsons of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman, the founder of Saudi Arabia.

Previously, the kingdom's ruler was appointed only from among the sons of King Abdulaziz.