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Concerted opposition from Kuwait’s National Assembly forced Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed to quickly rethink his cabinet. Senior figures including Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal have since called for an end to disputes over “petty matters” but the parliamentary arithmetic suggests further clashes between the executive and the legislature, and between liberals and conservatives, is more likely than not.

The Kuwait Air Force received two more Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3 jets in late September, part of a $9.6bn order for 28 of the multi-role fighter aircraft signed in late 2015.

More than half of the seats in the National Assembly changed hands in the late-September election, with opposition and Islamist groups emerging as the main winners.

The recent death in London of disgraced former Kuwait pensions boss Fahad Al-Rajaan – convicted in 2019 for embezzling funds from the Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS) – has meant efforts to recover the missing assets are now likely to shift to other family members and accomplices.

GSN Risk Grade – B↓2↓ Candidates line up: A total of 376 candidates have registered for the National Assembly (parliament) election, which is due to be held on 29 September. At least one candidate has since been ruled out, after police arrested an un-named former MP who was standing in the second constituency, accusing him of attempting to buy votes.

Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah returned to Kuwait on 14 September, following a private visit to Italy that began in early August. There was no official word on the reason for the emir’s trip, but observers have said it is likely to be linked to Sheikh Nawaf’s poor health.

Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah made a brief official visit to Saudi Arabia on 13 September, where he was met at the airport by Mecca Region deputy governor Prince Bader Bin Sultan Bin Abdelaziz and minister of state Prince Turki Bin Mohammed Bin Fahd.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah left Kuwait in August for what was described officially as a private visit to Italy. It follows a similar trip to Italy in May.  His exact destination, the reason for the trip and its expected duration have not been announced, but it is likely to be linked to his ill health.

Disgraced former Kuwait Public Institution for Social Security director Fahad Al-Rajaan died in London on 6 February, according to a report by the Kuwait Times. Al-Rajaan had fled to the UK amid accusations of embezzling public funds.

Nomination papers were filed by 376 candidates for the upcoming National Assembly (parliament) election by the time of the 7 September deadline, including 27 women. Among the candidates were over 44 members of the outgoing parliament, as well as former national speaker Ahmed Al-Saadoun.

Against the backdrop of the general election campaign, there are a number of potential flashpoints in Kuwait. Several issues surround suggested reforms to the voting system; while further changes are now unlikely before election day, the issues are likely to remain on the agenda once the new National Assembly (parliament) is formed.

Incoming Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has taken up the reins of Kuwait’s government but is not expected to last long in office, with elections for a new National Assembly (parliament) due in the coming weeks.

The Kuwait Investment Authority’s London office has seen another senior departure, following a period of bruising court cases in which it has been accused of a cynical approach to employment cases

Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has taken up the reins of Kuwait’s government but is not expected to last long in office, with elections for a new National Assembly now likely to take place in September. Ahead of that, there is likely to be heated debate over possible electoral reforms

Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah is Kuwait’s sixth prime minister in less than two decades and may prove to be one of the shorter-serving PMs, if speculation that he will step down following upcoming National Assembly (parliament) elections proves accurate.