Kuwaitis Kick Off Rallies for Prime Minister’s Ouster

Around two thousand Kuwaiti youths took to the streets late Friday, despite an unprecedented security presence, to demand the oil-rich Gulf state's prime minister resign.

The demonstrators chanted repeatedly, "The people want to topple the head" of government, a common refrain of anti-regime protests that have spread across the Arab world this year.

Hundreds of policemen and elite Special Forces cordoned off Kuwait City's main Safat square as the demonstrators gathered 150 meters away, but the protest passed off without any violence.

"Freedom, freedom, we want a popular government," they shouted, echoing calls by some political groups to appoint a prime minister from outside the al-Sabah family that has been in power for more than 250 years.

Besides the premier post, key cabinet portfolios of defense, interior and foreign affairs are held by members of the ruling family.

Speakers and activists made it clear however that they were not protesting against the emir or the ruling family, but for the replacement of Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah who has been in his post for five years.

The premier is accused of breaching the constitution by refusing to face questioning in parliament for allegedly squandering public funds and committing financial and administrative irregularities.

Pro-government MPs backed by cabinet ministers voted on May 17 to refer a request by opposition MPs to quiz him to the constitutional court.

"Nasser has harmed Kuwait and polluted the country's political life," said opposition lawmaker Mussallam al-Barrak.

The 71-year-old Sheikh Nasser, a nephew of the emir, has been targeted by the opposition since he was appointed premier in February 2006.

During this period, he resigned six times and formed his seventh cabinet just two weeks ago. Parliament was also dissolved three times and development plans have been stalled in this wealthy oil-rich state.

"Despite forming seven governments, we have only seen more corruption and restrictions on public freedoms," said another opposition MP Daifallah Buramia.

The protesters then marched to parliament building, covering a two-kilometer, loudly chanting slogans for the removal of the prime minister. They agreed to protest next Friday in what they called a "Day of Departure."