By B Izzak

KUWAIT: HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has been entrusted temporarily with an array of HH the Amir's powers, including naming the prime minister, accepting ministers' resignations and issuing legislation, according to an Amiri order published in the official gazette yesterday. The Amiri order was issued on Monday to delegate some of the powers of HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to HH the Crown Prince.

According to the order, HH Sheikh Mishal, was also entrusted to propose legislation, sign and issue them, after their approval by the National Assembly. He was also assigned to sign Amiri decrees and issue them, declare martial law, conclude international treaties, the Amir's powers regarding the National Assembly and swearing in the prime minister and ministers.

HH Sheikh Mishal's first task is expected to be to name the next prime minister after HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah submitted his resignation last week. The Cabinet was asked to continue as a caretaker government. The Crown Prince could reappoint Sheikh Sabah as the new prime minister or name a new premier.

Meanwhile, more former opposition MPs and activists who were pardoned by HH the Amir are scheduled to return to the country today after a few of them returned in the past two days. The 11 figures have been living in exile in Turkey since the summer of 2018 to escape jail terms passed against them after they were convicted of storming the National Assembly building in 2011. Among those scheduled to return is leading opposition figure and former MP Musallam Al-Barrak.

Also, 10 lawmakers yesterday submitted a motion calling to give priority to debate amendments to a law issued five years ago to bar convicted political dissidents from running for public office. The lawmakers said the amendments have been with the Assembly's interior and defense committee for a long time and should be brought to the chamber to be debated and approved.