The reason we highlight the positive effects of the courageous actions ordered by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad is that many Kuwaitis believe the current state of affairs is intolerable due to the ongoing political and economic turmoil, which has begun to impact society as a whole negatively. These bold steps would not have been possible without Amir’s conviction that Kuwait needs a force capable of reforming its untapped potential, which was often overlooked in parliamentary and governmental calculations. Without intervention, the country was inviting issues that could threaten social and developmental stability and further burden the national economy. These measures represent a turning point for the Council of Ministers, enabling it to fully exercise its role, especially now that it is free from the parliamentary hegemony that significantly burdened all authorities.
This interference extended even to the judiciary and manifested as a form of coercion against all authorities. As we discussed yesterday, this situation has led to the creation of several laws based on political agendas, influence, and private interests. This recurring issue has allowed a certain segment of society to seize opportunities for personal gain to maintain the status quo. The detrimental effects on beneficiaries became evident with the cancellation of the local agent, as their grievances began to surface in an attempt to undermine progress. When His Highness ordered measures to curb the chaos, these individuals started exerting pressure through social media to disrupt the Amiri directives.
However, the reform process has begun, and it must continue at an accelerated pace to prevent these factions from regrouping and inciting people against the government. We have long stated that genuine development, particularly in largescale initiatives, begins with a clear understanding of the nation’s goals. Unfortunately, the so-called deep state intervenes to seize control of every institution while inflating expenses through corrupt investments and placing its allies in key positions in institutions. It must be acknowledged that Kuwait is the only country that relies on this ineffective model for tenders and projects.
This has contributed to several decades of developmental delays, especially as other countries have long since eliminated the local agent and begun assigning projects directly to foreign or local companies. As a result, costs have been greatly reduced, and corruption has been curtailed. This shift has also eradicated the kickbacks that were previously funneled toward private, political, and social interests. To avoid returning to the previous abnormal situation, it is essential to adhere to the Amiri orders and implement the decision-maker’s vision.
This includes considering constitutional amendments and reviewing all laws that could facilitate development. As we stated yesterday and reiterate today, the reform workshop must be expedited, even if it requires enlisting the expertise of legal and constitutional specialists from abroad who have substantial experience in these matters. Every country needs expert guidance at some point to recover from stagnation, particularly when exposed to the chaos that Kuwait experienced after liberation, which threatened social, political, and economic stability.
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
