Kuwait replaces key ministers in cabinet reshuffle

Kuwait issued today a royal  decree to form a new cabinet, replacing the country’s defense, oil, and finance ministers, state news agency KUNA reported.

Five out of 16 of the new cabinet members hail from the royal family.

Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad, son of the ruling Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, will serve as the country’s new defense minister.

Bakhit al-Rashidi, president and CEO of Kuwait Petroleum International, was appointed the new oil minister.

Al-Rashidi replaces Essam Almarzooq, who held the position since December 2016.

Nayef Falah al-Hajraf, head of the country’s Capital Markets Authority, was named the new finance minister. His predecessor Anas Al-Saleh will serve as minister of state for cabinet affairs.

Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah was appointed as deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, while Khaled Al Jarrah Al Sabah was named as deputy prime minister and minister of interior.

Meanwhile, Hind Sabeeh Barrak Al Sabeeh will serve as the minister of social affairs and labour as well as minister of state for economic affairs.

Kuwait’s previous cabinet resigned in October when the information minister was questioned by parliament and faced a no-confidence vote over violations of budgetary and legislative rules.