Big Power Shift in Riyadh: Crown Prince Takes the Helm
King Salman, who’s a seasoned monarch of almost 9 decades, just shuffled the deck in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to the royal decree published on Tuesday (Sept 28), the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (aka MbS), has been promoted from Defence Minister to Prime Minister. His younger brother, Prince Khalid bin Salman, now steps into the role of Defence Minister.
The Cabinet’s New Line‑up
- Mohammed bin Salman – Prime Minister (formerly Defence Minister)
- Prince Khalid bin Salman – Defence Minister (formerly Deputy)
- Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman – Energy Minister (unchanged)
- Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud – Foreign Minister (unchanged)
- Mohammed al‑Jadaan – Finance Minister (unchanged)
- Khalid al‑Falih – Investment Minister (unchanged)
What’s the Backstory?
MbS has been the power behind the throne since 2017. He’s done the usual reforms: a dash of economic diversification, women’s right to drive, and a smoke‑out of clerical overreach. But the side effects? Activists, royals, and business owners looking sharper than a Riyadh dagger have faced the grip of prison bars.
The infamous 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi still weighs heavily on MbS’s résumé, causing strained ties with the U.S. and allies. Yet the Crown Prince is still the de‑facto ruler, leading foreign visits, chairing high‑level summits, and now officially handling the day‑to‑day executive grind as Prime Minister.
Some Buzzing Numbers
- Military self‑sufficiency has leapt from 2 % to 15 % under MbS’s guidance.
- Ambition? Reach 50 % in the next few years.
- King Salman still calls the shots in Cabinet meetings, keeping the throne’s voice loud.
Royal Decree Highlights
It all went live on state TV with King Salman presiding over a weekly Cabinet call, underscoring that the monarch’s clap‑on‑hand continues to steer the kingdom’s ship—though the Crown Prince now holds the anchor.
Why It Matters
Saudi Arabia is the world’s biggest oil exporter and a key U.S. ally. With MbS now officially Prime Minister, the country’s political landscape is set on a steady drill—mixing his reformist zeal with the old royal clout.
Stay tuned, Riyadh’s got a new captain at the helm, and he’s not afraid to steer the ship into uncharted waters.
