Kuwait emir re-appoints Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah as prime minister

Kuwait's emir re-appointed Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah as prime minister on Sunday, just days after he resigned his post as premier, state news has reported.

A royal decree asked Sheikh Sabah to nominate a new government in the latest twist in an ongoing saga that has marked Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah's first months in power.

Kuwait's caretaker cabinet resigned on 12 January - just one month after its formation - due to demands by parliament to question the prime minister.

Kuwait's parliament is considered the freest and most vibrant in the Gulf region, but real power still rests with the government, which is dominated by members of the royal family.

MPs say the make-up of the government does not represent the results of last year's elections and accused the cabinet of "interference" in the appointment of the parliament's speaker, according to Reuters.

Kuwait, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, has been battered by the Covid-19 epidemic and low oil prices with the government warning it might have to enact strict austerity measures to cope with the economic downturn.

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