Kuwait's new emir unveils his roadmap for the country
The new Emir of Kuwait, Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has delivered his first speech since his ascension to the throne following the death of his brother, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
In his speech, the new Kuwaiti leader outlined a roadmap for his country in the coming period, revealing the features of a major change that the Arab country will witness in domestic politics, the aspect that occupied most of his speech.
However, Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah began by eulogising the late Amir, whom he described as his "companion in life and on the road", highlighting some of his virtues and deeds and describing him as "the sheikh of humility".
The new emir made his first remarks as the new leader after he was sworn in at the National Assembly (parliament) to become the 17th emir of Kuwait, succeeding his late brother, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away last Saturday.
"Today I have taken the reins of government as a task, as an honour. I pledge before God, and then I pledge before the Kuwaiti people, that I will be a loyal citizen to his homeland and his people, concerned about the interests of the country," he said.
Criticism of institutions
According to Al-Ain, the new emir's speech also included criticism of the government and parliament, calling for an overhaul of both. Amir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has emphasised national unity in this regard, vowing to fight corruption and engage in foreign policy.
"There were national rights to be exercised by the legislative and executive authorities for the benefit of the nation and its citizens, but we did not see any change," lamented the new emir, who even accused the authorities of "harming the interests of the country and its people".
Kuwait's new emir also said he was unhappy with some of the decisions taken in the past by the former president. "We have never violated the decisions and instructions he ordered, despite our dissatisfaction with some of them, because obeying him is obeying God," he said.
Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah stressed that during his political leadership he will be "close" to everyone and everything that happens, stressing the importance of monitoring, control and accountability.
The new Kuwaiti emir also referred to "national unity and dialogue", indicating "optimism" for the next stage. "We have warned on many occasions of the crises and dangers that surround us, so it is wise to strengthen national unity".
The new emir promises to maintain regional and international commitments
On the other hand, regarding foreign policy, the new emir stressed "the continuation of the pioneering approach and the role of the State of Kuwait with friendly and brotherly countries on various issues and topics of common interest", stressing in particular the need to "preserve his country's regional and international commitments in the Gulf".
Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah made a number of pledges in his speech regarding his country's domestic and foreign policy, such as:
- Preserving the interests of the country and its people.
- Preserving national unity
- Work to elevate and advance the nation
- Adhering to national and constitutional constants
- Fighting corruption
- Strengthen Kuwait's pioneering role at the national and international level
- Uphold Gulf, regional and international commitments