Kuwait MPs call for changes to constitution

Several MPs in Kuwait have called for fundamental changes to the country’s 1962 constitution as disagreements with the government continue.

Kuwait Times reported that the call came during a debate of an Emiri decree delivered on the opening day of the National Assembly on December 11.

Read: Kuwait’s Emir says austerity measures “inevitable”

Opposition MP Abdulkarim Al-Kandari was quoted as saying amendments to the constitution were necessary.

He called for the creation of a committee to suggest changes that could include allowing the formation of political parties and condition limiting the government’s ability to dissolve the parliament

“We have been encountering constitutional problems and dilemmas and failed to find solutions simply because we still believe that the constitution cannot be changed. This democratic system has become ineffective,” he was quoted as saying.

Kuwait’s previous parliament was dissolved by Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in October following disputes between the government and MPs regarding increases to fuel prices introduced in September.

Read: Kuwait ruler dissolves parliament

During the session, MPs also warned the government against imposing new charges on citizens to finance the budget deficit, which is projected at $28.9bn for the current fiscal year ending in April.

MP Riyadh Al-Adasani said that he and four other MPs submitted a draft law to return fuel prices to their July rates and the abolishment of new tariffs on electricity and water.

Read: Kuwait MPs call for abolishment of power, fuel price increases