Political feuds to test govt's push for fiscal reforms

The biggest task facing Kuwait's crown prince after surprisingly stepping in for the emir this month will be to tackle the perennial political feuding which has long blocked badly needed fiscal reform in the wealthy oil producer.

Previously a low-profile figure who avoided public politics, little was known about Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, 81, who was security chief and then deputy of the National Guard before being named crown prince by his half-brother the emir in 2020.

Before the handover, the emir undertook conciliatory moves to defuse a standoff between government and the elected parliament that paralysed legislative work with only one regular session proceeding this year to approve the state budget.

Courtney Freer, fellow at Atlanta's Emory University said, "Kuwait needs to address its fiscal situation. I think the focus really will be getting the house in order financially."

The government has sought soothing measures to temporarily boost finances while more structural and fiscal reforms remain deadlocked, including a debt law to tap international markets.

"The emir and crown prince see him (Sheikh Sabah) as the most suited and strongest to deal with parliament at the current stage," said Kuwaiti political analyst Dahem Al Qahtani.

Meanwhile, Kuwaiti political analyst Ghanim Alnajjar said, "The so-called opposition has serious divisions. It will be difficult for them to continue united."

Analysts say resolution efforts are expected to end the legislative paralysis and further benefit from a divided opposition, some of whom wanted to question Sheikh Sabah on various issues, including perceived corruption.