Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Nov. 2 Bader Mishari al-Humaidhi, Kuwait's oil minister, has resigned after only 8 days in office because opposition members of parliament continuously attacked his suitability for the role.
Kuwait's state news agency said the cabinet accepted his resignation. His departure is not expected to affect oil policy, which is set by a supreme council. Humaidhi was given the job last week following a cabinet reshuffle, leaving his previous role as finance minister for the past 2 years.
Several politicians strongly criticized Humaidhi's appointment saying they felt he was escaping scrutiny in parliament over allegations of financial and administrative irregularities.
Humaidhi's predecessor was Sheikh Ali al-Jarrah al-Sabah, who left the post in June after carrying out the duties for a year. He had little support, and MPs were about to push forward a no-confidence vote.
Kuwait wants to establish 4 million b/d of oil capacity by 2020, but this goal is being thwarted by continuous changes in leadership at the oil ministry and domestic political struggles. Presently, the country produces 2.4 million b/d of oil.
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