Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia
This article is part of a series on the politics and government of Saudi Arabia
Basic Law
Monarchy King and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Salman Crown Prince Muhammad Allegiance Council Succession
Government Prime Minister Salman Cabinet Consultative Assembly President: Salih bin Abdullah al Humaid National Security Council Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice
Legal system Judiciary Capital punishment Freedom of religion Human rights Women's rights LGBT rights
Recent elections Municipal: 2005 2011 2015
Administrative divisions Regions Governorates
Foreign relations
Other countries Atlas Politics portal

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]

Members of the Council of Ministers

The Royal Councils

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

• Politics of Saudi Arabia

References

External links

• Statements of the Council of Ministers Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Law of the Council of Ministers
• Ministry of Social Affairs Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia articles History Pre-Islamic Arabia Early Islamic State Rashidun Caliphate Umayyad Caliphate Abbasid Caliphate Ottoman Arabia Emirate of Diriyah Emirate of Nejd Unification Geography Cities and towns Climate Earthquakes Governorates Mountains Regions Politics Allegiance Council Cabinet Consultative Assembly Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Foreign relations King Mabahith (secret police) National Security Council Nuclear program Prime Minister Law Basic Law Capital punishment Freedom of religion Human rights LGBT Rape Women Mutaween (religious police) Passport Military Air Defense Air Force Army General Intelligence Presidency Military ranks National Guard Navy Economy Agriculture Companies Energy Oil reserves History of the oil industry Foreign workers Irrigation OPEC Riyal (currency) Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (central bank) Tadawul (stock exchange) Telecommunications Tourism Transport Society Censorship Crime Demographics Education List of universities Health care Human trafficking Obesity Prostitution Religion Terrorism Response to ISIL Water supply and sanitation Culture Art Cinema Cuisine Islam Language Media television Music Public holidays Sport Symbols Anthem Emblem Flag Motto Outline Index Book Category Portal WikiProject