Ministers responded to the criticism that resulted in heated exchanges which sometimes included the use of insults and strong accusations. The intensity of the exchanges made MP Adnan Abdulsamad say "that it appears that we have not learned from our previous lessons.
Islamist-tribal MP Dhaifallah Buramia strongly criticized the defense and interior ministers, saying they should not have been retained in the Cabinet because they are not fit to become ministers. Later, Buramia sent 21 questions to the defense minister about a variety of issues related to the defense ministry. These included questions about F-18 aircraft, Russian armored vehicles and a number of arms deals.
Buramia asked the minister about why some of the arms purchased for billions of dollars cannot be used for lack of spare parts and also cast doubts over reported plans to buy French-made jets. The lawmaker was arrested during the election campaign after criticizing the defense minister by saying he was not fit to become prime minister.
Buramia is currently on trial for making those statements and on charges of undermining the authorities of the Amir. Interior Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Khaled Al-Sabah lashed out at Buramia, telling him that "when you become a prime minister, you can choose the ministers who suit your liking".
New MP Khaled Al-Tahous blasted Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali, at one stage accusing him of committing forgery, while Shamali responded by challenging the lawmaker to submit evidence for his accusations. Tahous accused the minister of sending trade union officials at Kuwait Investment Authority to the public prosecution after they uncovered what he called "violations worth $ 200 million". Shamali denied the charge and said they were referred to the public prosecution for violating the law and rules of KIA.
The finance minister also defended the economic stabilization decree and called on the Assembly to approve it when it comes up for voting in the next session. He said the decree is not designed for any section of the society, but for the whole national economy and described it as a "precautionary" law to help stabilize the national economy, banks and other companies.
Shamali admitted that investments of KIA abroad have dropped because of the global economic crisis but downplayed its size, saying, "we still own the assets and its value is bound to rebound".
The stabilization decree was criticized by MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri who claimed it was tailored for wealthy businessmen and ignored ordinary citizens.
Muwaizri also called on Electricity and Water Minister Bader Al-Azemi to uncover those who are involved in power contracts worth more than KD 2 billion and claimed nothing has been done so far.
Azemi said that the ministry is about to award two major contracts that would boost by 3,000 MW the current power capacity of around 10,500 MW. MP Ali Al-Deqbasi claimed that power projects have been delayed because of "fighting among major contractors for the lucrative contracts.
The debate will continue next week after the Assembly approved a motion to hold a special session to complete the debate on the Amiri Address.
