The power center of Saudi Arabia’s politics; Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has been named the prime minister. The passing on of the prime ministerial post is significant as it’s traditionally held by the king. The government shuffle took place on Tuesday night (September 27) by decree.
Mohammed bin Salman, or MBS as he is often called in media, has been Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler for several years. The heir apparent to the desert kingdom has previously served as deputy prime minister under King Salman as well as defense minister.
He is being replaced as defense minister by his younger brother, Khalid bin Salman, who was previously deputy defense minister.
According to the royal decree from King Salman published by the official Saudi Press Agency, the heads of other critical ministries including interior, foreign, and energy, remained in place.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince turned 37 last month. Since 2017, he has been first in line to succeed his father as king.
He became defense minister in 2015, a key step in a swift consolidation of power that saw him take the lead on major portfolios.
Saudi Arabia has for years sought to quell speculation over the health of 86-year-old King Salman, who has ruled the world’s top oil exporter since 2015.
In 2017, it dismissed reports and mounting speculation that the king was planning to abdicate in favour of Prince Mohammed.
King Salman has been hospitalized twice so far this year, most recently a one-week stay in May that involved tests including a colonoscopy, according to state media reports.
