KUWAIT CITY, Sept 14: Lawmakers have warned that the relationship between the Parliament and the government might turn sour if the latter does not accept their demands regarding the gasoline price hike.

MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji pointed out the relationship between the two authorities will be determined by the government’s way of dealing with the gasoline price hike issue.

He said the joint meeting between a group of MPs with the attendance of Parliament Speaker Marzouk Al-Ghanim, a number of ministers and Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah during the parliamentary recess resulted in an agreement about the liberalization of gasoline prices and support for citizens.

He added the subsequent meetings between the parliamentary Finance Committee and finance minister tackled the necessity to lay down a mechanism for supporting citizens, affirming the government side is willing to provide support as established in the records of the committee in its previous meetings. He stated they are waiting for the outcomes of these meetings to gauge the seriousness of the government in dealing with this issue. He stressed the government should fulfill its promise; otherwise, there will be a confrontation with the Parliament in the upcoming term.

Meanwhile, MP Majed Mousa said the government will be embroiled in a political crisis if it continues to violate the will of the people. He emphasized the need for the government to respond to the MPs’ demand to grant financial support to citizens before the National Assembly resumes its sessions. He believes this will ease the financial burdens of citizens, especially since the prices of gasoline have increased.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff