Kuwaiti MPs on Tuesday called for radical reforms of the executive authority to put an end to the continuing political and economic stalemate in the oil-rich emirate.
"This government needs a coup de grace. It is suffering from anaemia and colour-blindness," Islamist MP Mubarak Snaideh said in parliament.
"The problem is ... in the structure of the administration and, on top of it, comes the ruling establishment which appoints the cabinet," leading liberal MP Abdullah al-Naibari said.
MPs on Monday voted to delay for two weeks the grilling of Housing Minister Adel al-Sebeih, which has the potential to bring down the government, amid a growing call for a fundamental change in the way the government is formed.
Liberal MPs have long insisted that a new accountable cabinet is needed to take control of the decision-making process.
The cabinet currently consists of 16 members, only one of whom is an MP, and is headed by Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Abdullah al-Sabah, who cannot be questioned in the National Assembly in his role as prime minister.
The prince, who opposes cuts in government subsidies and welfare provision, has been a target of criticism from liberal MPs and the merchant class, who accuse him of slowing the economy.
"The solution to this crisis is to form a government close to Kuwaiti people and a majority of its members from parliament," said MP Ahmad al-Duaij.
The government was rocked by a number of resignations over the summer and continued disharmony amongst its ranks.
The current cabinet was formed in July last year following general elections that came after hereditary ruler Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved parliament.
Kuwait is the only Gulf Arab monarchy to have an elected parliament -- KUWAIT CITY (AFP)
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