Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim

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ANY observer of the Parliament’s course since the independence of Kuwait up to this day will notice differences in the performance of its Speakers. A few of them were fully aware of their mandate which sometimes exceeds the role of the Speaker stipulated in the Parliament’s internal regulations; especially regarding relations between the legislative and executive authorities, and their cohesion on general lines of State policies and supreme interest of the nation. For about 57 years, 10 individuals have occupied the Speakership.

Throughout that time, Kuwait went through several political circumstances which compelled members of Parliament to work under difficult conditions. Despite that, the Speaker always steers the movement and performance. The Speaker either calms or agitates the situation.

A few have realized from the start the gravity of the task of the Speaker and worked to adjust the course of the Parliament.

Majority of those who occupied the Speakership were veterans while a few occupied the post at a young age like Marzouq Al- Ghanim whose election to the position raised question marks due to his age. They questioned his ability and experience to run one of the difficult legislative institutions in the region, owing to the level of freedom that a parliamentarian exercises.

It was not long before Al- Ghanim surprised everyone through his high level of adaptability to the Constitution, his keenness to execute the internal regulations of the Parliament, and his awareness of almost every detail of political life in this country. Whenever you ask him about any issue, he has an answer which is later confirmed by events; even in interpellations and responses to parliamentary questions which he deals with appropriately without prejudice.

If Al-Ghanim proved his ability to run one of the difficult Parliaments, he also proved his competence with other parliaments in the world. He has been very able and active in several diplomatic and political confrontations in terms of debate and discussion. Personally, Marzouq Al- Ghanim remains as the ever smiling young man who welcomes everyone.

He does not engage in altercations with his opponents because he realized that the Speakership is meant to bring people together, not divide them. His position symbolizes the entire Kuwaiti nation as manifested in the way he calms disputes between MPs.

This is a detailed interpretation of the Constitution and Parliament’s internal regulations, in addition to invoking minutes of previous Parliaments as references for discussions.

By Ahmed Al-Jarallah Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
Email: [email protected]

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