By Ibrahim Khazen
KUWAIT (AA) - Kuwait's Emir Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah issued a decree Saturday appointing Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah as crown prince, according to the Kuwaiti News Agency KUNA.
Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah assumed leadership of the country in December 2023. His decision to appoint a crown prince came about three weeks after he dissolved the National Assembly, or parliament, on May 10 and suspended some articles of the Constitution.
The Emir described the step as a “difficult decision to save the country and secure its high interest.”
He added that the country was facing "unbearable difficulties and obstacles," referring to disagreements between the government and parliament, which resulted in the government's resignation several times.
The new Crown Prince Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, born March 15, 1953, served as prime minister from Nov. 19, 2019, to July 24, 2022.
Last month, Kuwait's new government, headed by Ahmed Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah and comprising 13 ministers, took the constitutional oath before the Emir.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala