Kuwaiti corruption will be a key campaigning issue

Significance

Kuwait’s latest corruption scandal has led to the dissolution of the government and forced out top ministers. Its outcome highlights the extent to which the emir still manages political life, despite the fact that parliament is more powerful than in other Gulf Arab countries.

Impacts

• Lack of leadership and a unified voice will limit the prospects for large-scale anti-corruption protests, despite popular concerns.
• Opposition MPs will call for electoral reform returning to four votes per person, seen as strengthening political blocs against tribes.
• Legislation to naturalise some of the 100,000-strong ‘bidoon’ (stateless) population is likely to remain blocked.