Kuwait’s 2021-22 Budget Passes At Last, But Political Rift Stalls Economic Reforms

25 Jun 2021 Issue: 64 / 25 By: Yesar Al-Maleki

Kuwait has finally passed its 2021-22 budget. But the manner in which it secured narrow parliamentary approval has further exposed the country’s political instability.

Kuwaiti MPs finally passed the $76bn budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year (from 1 April) on 22 June in an acrimonious session marred by quarrels and fist fights. The draft budget was originally issued by a caretaker government in January (MEES, 29 January) shortly after the cabinet of Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah was forced to resign amid parliamentary opposition (MEES, 15 January).

Even though Sheikh Sabah formed a new cabinet in March (MEES, 19 March), continued acrimony between the executive and legislative branches has contributed to the delayed passage of the budget. Indeed, the government has been boycotting parliamentary sessions as MPs have been threatening to “grill” the Prime Minister. Parliament was also temporarily adjourned after opposition MPs sat in seats reserved for government ministers in April. A tactic intended to force the PM to the questioning podium. (CONTINUED - 1546 WORDS)