Kuwait’s government may seek to centralise power

Significance

The government is also curtailing legislators’ right to cross-question ministers, especially the prime minister -- a distinctive feature of the Kuwaiti system that has long given it the liveliest politics in the Gulf.

Impacts

• Increased opposition to measures put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 will probably lead to a further rise in cases.
• Dahoum will use his Awazim tribal base to remain a significant political player, though he could face arrest if he becomes too vocal.
• Internal ruling family politics will be a key -- although hidden -- determinant of parliamentary spats.