Marzouq Al Ghanim re-elected as speaker of Kuwait's parliament

Marzouq Al Ghanim has been re-elected as the speaker of Kuwait’s National Assembly (parliament), during the opening session of the 16th legislative term.

Al Ghanim, who has held the position since 2013, ran against Bader Al Humaidi, the former Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Housing Affairs.

Out of the 64 members present, 33 members voted for Al Ghanim. The members of parliament are made up of the newly elected 50 MPs, including the 16 newly appointed ministers (one of whom is a member of parliament).

Last week, following an informal meeting held by MP Abdul Karim Al Kandari, 37 MPs publicly declared they would back Al Humaidi’s nomination for speaker of parliament.

The opening session was attended by the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah, and Crown Prince, Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmed Al Sabah.

During his opening speech, Sheikh Nawaf said, “Our country’s path faces serious problems and big challenges which call for putting in place a comprehensive reform program.

“There is no room for wasting more efforts, time and capabilities on fabricated conflicts, disputes and settling accounts which have become a source of frustration and discontent for citizens and an obstacle to any achievement.”