Kuwait finance minister faces no-confidence motion amid grilling by lawmakers

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KUWAIT, Aug 4 : Some 10 of Kuwaits lawmakers have filed a motion of no-confidence in Finance Minister Barrak Al-Sheatan after he was questioned in parliament on Tuesday over financial misconduct charges.

Amid a parliament session in which the minister was grilled, as per a motion submitted by lawmaker Riyad Al-Adsani, Al-Sheatan could face a vote of no-confidence “provided parliament votes in favor of the motion no less than a week after it was brought forward,” said National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanim, citing proper parliamentary procedure.
“Every minister should live up to the responsibilities and duties of their positions,” Kuwaits top lawmaker said, emphasizing that if “parliament loses confidence in any of the ministers, then they should step down immediately.”

On the no-confidence motion in the finance minister, which already has the backing of Al-Adsani and nine other lawmakers, he said it can only go through if approved by an “overwhelming majority,” amid a voting process in parliament, one that ministers are barred from taking part.

Kuwaits finance minister was questioned by lawmakers twice in as many months, with the initial grilling resulting in no requests or recommendations made, while the parliament speaker reiterated that a decision on the matter can only be made “seven days after the motion was submitted.”

Al-Sheatan is accused of mishandling an array of financial issues, including ones dealing with the “2020 economic document and the Public Institution for Social Security,” in addition to “misleading public opinion.” (KUNA)

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