Kuwait preparations underway to pass new state budget

The Constitutional Court is also expected pass its verdict regarding the constitutionality of the electoral law after the Cabinet challenged the legality of constituencies’ distribution system. The 2009 Parliament, reinstated by a Constitutional Court ruling last June may not be dissolved until after the verdict is passed. Meanwhile, the Parliament has not been able to convene because the opposition rejects to convene with members facing corruption charges, while pro-government lawmakers on the other hand demand assurances from the Cabinet that a session is not going to be only held as a routine procedure before dissolution.

The sources, who requested anonymity, estimated the new budget to remain at KD 24 billion, attributing the increase compared to last year’s budget to “pay raises and allowances enforced to public sector employees in the past year.” Separately, the Islamic Constitutional Movement is reportedly struggling to ‘take itself out of an ordeal’ created when it previously announced boycotting future elections.

The issue was highlighted by a heated debate held between members recently, stemming from the realization that voters are likely to take part in elections held in a new distribution of constituencies despite the opposition’s rejection. “Some members believe that by boycotting the elections, the only party losing would be the ICM itself, whereas its rivals as well as the government will benefit the most,” said sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. They further noted that voices within the group calling for boycotting are “starting to get weaker support, especially after senior members of the Revival of Islamic Heritage Society expressed disapproval of boycotting option.” The ICM is considered the political wing of the RIHS, sources said.