He passed around 60 reformist decrees in its absence, on crucial issues such as 100 per cent foreign investment, copyright laws and privatisation. But the new body, elected in July, must approve the legislation, and a significant number of MPs are not prepared to do that. But there has been a revival of the left-centre trying to curtail the political power of the ruling family and the merchants. The government tries to do things, but is stymied by parliament. I don't think you will see anything different from this parliament.
Privatisation is unpopular among many voters because it threatens their government jobs.
Many influential merchant families, of which there are around 40, are also opposed to change, such as allowing 100 per cent foreign investment. They realise that their enterprises will struggle to compete with efficient, Western rivals. Under the present system, Kuwaiti nationals must own at least 51 per cent of any registered business, giving rise to lucrative partnerships with Western businesses operating in Kuwait. Al-Shall's Jasem believes nothing less than a change of government will lead to a turnaround. We have more than nine per cent of the world's oil reserves.