Kuwait mourned the passing of its former Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah on 16 December after a brief three-year reign. A conciliary figure, the late Emir strived to heal the emirate’s internal divisions through pardons and political resets aimed at fostering cooperation between the government and parliament. Despite his efforts, there was little evidence of success, and he has been succeeded by Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Sabah.
The late Emir’s ill health meant that Sheikh Mishal had already, since November 2021, taken on his half-brother’s constitutional duties. As crown prince, Sheikh Mishal last year pushed government and parliament to prioritize “long term development” over quarrels (MEES, 21 October 2022). But, in his first speech as Emir on 20 December, he adopted a much firmer tone, stating that as crown prince he had abided by Sheikh Nawaf’s wishes even if he disagreed with some of these decisions. (CONTINUED - 1146 WORDS)
