Kuwaiti emir dissolves parliament

The dissolution of Kuwait's parliament is to prepare for early elections in the country, to deal with security and economic challenges.

Emir of Kuwait. Photo: Kuwaittimes

Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah said today that "based on the regional situation and security challenges", he had asked the 50-member legislature to dissolve, the Kuna news agency reported after an emergency government meeting.

The move comes less than 24 hours after Parliament Speaker Marzouk al-Ghanem called for snap elections amid security and economic challenges.

According to Kuwait's constitution, elections must take place within two months of the dissolution of parliament. The country last held parliamentary elections in 2013.

Kuwait is a major oil producer but falling global oil prices have forced the country to cut subsidies, sparking debate on the issue.

Kuwait has recently faced the threat of an attack by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). Last year, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Kuwait City that killed 27 people and injured dozens more.

According to VNE