Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): On November 11, 2020, Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa died. On the same day, a royal decree was issued appointing crown prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as premier . The new prime minister didn't replace any minister, but promised to do so in a press interview he conducted recently.

The crown prince spoke in his first interview with local press on February 25 about an "upcoming Cabinet formation", and the features of the new formation.  I personally appreciate, thank and respect all senior state officials such as ministers, advisers and current and former officials (...) Although change is a must in life, I am personally proud to work with giants of national work from experienced people who are highly regarded and respected, noting that some of whom continue to contribute to the achievements of government work. We look forward to having the formation of the Cabinet be based on competence, represent different age groups and give greater opportunity to youths."

In order to figure out how long have the "Giants of National Action" been as described by the crown prince, we should go back to what his father, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, said, on February 2006 in his speech with the heads of local newspapers, that "a minister should remain for 4 years in his ministry and the duration could be extended to 4 additional years as a maximum," also stating that the minister "who remains in his ministry for 8 years is a super minister."

It has been 14 years since the king's announcement, so one could simply see whether the governments that the king kept forming were in line with his words outlined in newspapers at the time.

Here, we remind the crown prince, who is serving his first year as prime minister, with some facts and numbers that explain to him the "frail old national action" his government comprises, the action that left the country with a huge debt and disastrous financial situation.

The deputy Prime Minister Mohammed bin Mubarak has been in the government since the Independence.  He has completed 49 years in the government. He served as the foreign minister from 1971 until 2005 and has become the deputy prime minister since then.

Deputy Prime Minister Ali bin Khalifa, son of the prime minister, has been in the government for 27 years, specifically since he was appointed as a minister in 1993.

Deputy Prime Minister Khalid bin Abdullah has been in the government for 45 years, specifically since 1975.

Deputy Prime Minister Jawad Al-Arrayed has been in the government for 49 years, specifically since 1971.

Meanwhile, under these heads, there are about 18 ministers. Let's start with the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Muhammad Al-Mutawa, who has been in the government for 27 years, Minister of Education Majed Al-Nuaimi has been in office for 18 years. Minister of Interior Rashid bin Abdullah has been in his position for 16 years. Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa Dharf over 14 years in office. Minister of Municipalities and Works Affairs Issam Khalaf has held office for 11 years, while Minister of Labor Jamil Humaidan has held his position for 10 years. Minister of Housing Basem Al-Hamar has been a minister for 10 years. Minister of Transportation Kamal Ahmed was appointed 9 years ago. Minister of Council Affairs Ghanem Al-Buainain is a minister of 8 years, Minister of Commerce Zayed Al-Zayani a minister of 6 years, Minister of Health Faeqia Al-Saleh a minister of 6 years, Minister of Oil Muhammad bin Khalifa Al Khalifa a minister of 5 years, and Minister of Information Ali Al-Rumaihi a minister of 5 years.

This is the duration the majority of ministers have spent in their posts. Who will remain in this frail government and who will go? 

Arabic Version