Kuwait’s Emir (political leader) announced the suspension of parliament and some articles of the constitution in a televised speech on Saturday. The suspension comes just a few weeks after the national elections. They were the first elections held under the reign of Emir Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who came to power in December after the death of his half-brother and predecessor, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. After the elections, the members of the parliament were reportedly unable to form a government – some even refused to participate in parliament.

The 83-year-old Sheikh Mishal said that the parliament could be suspended for up to four years and did not clarify which constitutional provisions would be impacted. Kuwait state media reported that the executive cabinet would assume some powers granted to the National Assembly. The Sheikh cited corruption in the government for the change, saying “no one is above the law, especially those who have taken public money without any right.”

The announcement has come after years of gridlock in the parliament. The National Assembly has clashed with the executive cabinet on investment and reforms meant to decrease the country’s reliance on oil. These clashes have led to several dissolutions of the government over the years. The Sheikh said that certain members of the government dragged their feet on decisions related to these reforms that needed to be made quickly. “I will not allow democracy to be exploited to destroy the State,” said Sheikh Mishal, “because the interests of the people of Kuwait, which are above all, a trust upon our shoulders.”

This is not the first time an Emir has dissolved the government in Kuwait. In 2016, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah issued a decree to dissolve the parliament. The decision was made due to “mounting security challenges as well as volatile regional developments.” There are tensions between the government and the parliament lately, as parliament members questioned government leaders regarding a decision to increase petrol prices and other alleged financial and administrative violations. Kuwait has been under increasing pressure, including the breakout of civil unrest, as global oil prices have dropped, forcing the country to cut back on numerous subsidies.