Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia
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The Saudi Council of Ministers (Arabic: مجلس الوزراء السعودي Majlis al-Wuzarā’ as-Su‘ūdī) is the Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is led by the King who is Prime Minister. The Council consists of the Prime Minister, the Crown Prince, who is First Deputy Prime Minister, and Cabinet ministers. Since 2015, there are 23 ministers with portfolio and seven ministers of state, two of whom have special responsibilities. All members of the Council are appointed by royal decree.[1]
The Council of Ministers was established by King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1953. It is responsible for "drafting and overseeing the implementation of the internal, external, financial, economic, educational and defense policies, and general affairs of the state."[1] Legislation must be ratified by royal decree and be found to be fully compatible with the kingdom's interpretation of Shari'a law. It meets every Monday and is chaired by the King in his capacity as Prime Minister or one of his deputies.[2][3]
The present law governing the form and function of the Council of Ministers was issued by King Fahd in 1993/1414 AH.[1] Among others, it stipulates that every member of the Council must be "a Saudi national by birth and descent; well-known for righteousness and capability;" and "not previously convicted for a crime of immorality or dishonor."[1]
In the early hours of April 29th 2015, King Salman issued 25 royal decrees which included a cabinet reshuffle. This included the removal of Crown Prince Muqrin from his post and the placement of Prince Muhammed bin Nayef in his place, Prince Muhammed bin Salman is appointed First Deputy Crown Prince.[4][5]
Contents
Members of the Council of Ministers[edit]
The Royal Councils[edit]
Ostensibly to streamline the workings of government and cut the Crown Prince from as much active participation as possible, King Salman has set up two Royal Councils: The Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) under the chairmanship of Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, and the Council of Political and Security Affairs (CPSA), under the tutailage of the Deputy Crown Prince.
The membership of the PSA is composed of nine individuals, while the CEDA boasted a 22-member roster that, naturally, required a Secretariat. That task was entrusted to the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers, who in early 2015 was Abdulrahman bin Mohammad Al-Sadhan, who is the highest ranking commoner in the government.[6]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d "The Law of the Council of Ministers". Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington, DC. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
- ^ a b "Biographies of Ministers". Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington, DC. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia Government". The Saudi Network. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
- ^ http://www.spa.gov.sa/details.php?id=1355272
- ^ http://www.spa.gov.sa/details.php?id=1355273
- ^ http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/saudi-king-s-son-on-fast-track-to-power-1.1458739
External links[edit]
- Statements of the Council of Ministers Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Law of the Council of Ministers
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