The Facts
Kuwait's government resigned on Monday, just three months after it was sworn in, over continuing political discord between the cabinet and Kuwait's parliament.
State media reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf al-Sabah submitted the resignation of his cabinet to the country's Crown Prince due to political bickering over various issues with the legislative authority. The oil-producing Gulf country had been attempting ambitious structural reforms to strengthen its finances, but faced legislative gridlock.
The Spin
Narrative A
Kuwait, a rich oil-producing Gulf country, finds itself consumed by corruption and political infighting. Its democracy continues to be torn apart by disagreements motivated by personal interests, and its slow economic growth due to administrative corruption has shaken international investors' confidence. As long as its lawmakers continue arguing with each other, and its citizens remain spectators to the legislative process, the state will fail to transform into a global financial and commercial hub.
Narrative B
Kuwait is divided between being a democratic system that grants sovereignty and a traditional monarchical system that gives broad powers to the Emir. A significant amount of ruling power still effectively remains in Kuwait's royal family and sits with the Emir who appoints the government. Until the elected and appointed components of Kuwait's political system work together against this autocratic influence, standoffs will continue to undermine democracy in the nation.
