DOHA, Jan 28, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Qatar’s ruler appointed a new prime
minister on Tuesday, the state news agency reported, replacing veteran regime
insider Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
New Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani
previously headed up the office of gas-rich Qatar’s ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim
bin Hamad Al-Thani, according to the government website.
Sheikh Abdullah also loses his role as interior minister to Sheikh Khalid
in the reshuffle although all other key cabinet posts remain unchanged,
including the defence, finance and energy portfolios.
The emir issued an order “appointing His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin
Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani as prime minister”, the state-run Qatar News
Agency reported, adding it was effective immediately.
The new premier previously worked in the gas industry and was educated in
the United States before going on to work for Sheikh Tamim when he was the
crown prince, according to his official biography.
Sheikh Tamim wields absolute power, although he announced plans in
November for the Gulf state’s consultative council to be partly elected by
the time Qatar hosts the World Cup in 2022.