The oil-rich nation of Kuwait’s economy is sinking due to an apparently never-ending political crisis, which is also affecting basic services and raising public anxiety.
Despite having abundant oil reserves, the wealthy Gulf region’s only completely elected parliament is paralyzed by squabbling, which has caused hospitals and educational institutions to deteriorate.
Businessman and newspaper columnist Ahmed al-Sarraf claims his worries are increasing as the nation is failing.
“I feel great anxiety for my family, for the future of my grandchildren, for their education, and for my health,” the former banker told AFP.
“This situation is generating great misery.”
7% of the world’s crude reserves are found in Kuwait, which neighbors Saudi Arabia and Iraq. It has one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds and little debt.
Despite having a parliamentary system in existence since 1962, it is plagued by ongoing conflicts between elected lawmakers and cabinets appointed by the ruling Al-Sabah family, which still has a firm grip on political life.
Legislators have been unable to enact changes to diversify the economy due to the stasis, and the persistent budget deficits and low levels of foreign investment have only heightened the sense of doom.
The most recent twist occurred last month when the constitutional court reinstated the previous parliament and disbanded an opposition-controlled assembly over purported election irregularities.
