The biggest demonstration in Kuwait’s history took place Monday with more than 90,000 people taking to the street after the resignation of the government. They demanded political reform, the parliament dissolved and an end to corruption. Our editor comments:

In many countries government changes come from the people’s opposition to a long-ruling political entity, dictatorship or external intervention. But in Kuwait, the uprising has been ignited by corruption allegations against the government and Prime Minister Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Demonstration in Kuwait. Photo: AFP

The demonstration took place Monday after the government and the Prime Minister had their resignation accepted by Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The demonstrators stated that the resignation of the government is not enough. They demanded the dissolution of parliament and that MPs accused of corruption be put on trial. The opposition has accused the Prime Minister’s of responsibility for corruption and deteriorating public services. During his 5-year term the 71-year old Prime Minister regularly faced criticism from the opposition, which induced him to offer his resignation 7 times and submit to 3 votes of no-confidence. He survived, however, and continued with a reformed cabinet. In recent weeks, the Prime Minister Nasser Al-Sabah has faced a crescendo of corruption allegations aimed at MPs who are believed to have transferred money abroad. The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister had to quit in October because of alleged overseas money transfers through his ministry.

Although recent developments are not expected to change Kuwait’s political system, a parliamentary constitutional monarchy in which the Emir is the Head of government, they have increased tensions between Kuwait’s political factions. Kuwait is in a sensitive period with the US considering adding thousands of soldiers to the 29,000 troops currently stationed there. Now that he has accepted the government’s resignation, Emir Al-Sabah must deal with the people’s demand to dissolve parliament.   

Diep Anh