Saudi Arabia - joining the dots: Part 2 - Scandal

Saudi Arabia - joining the dots is a series of blog entries exploring Saudi Arabia's role in the oil markets with a brief look at the history of the royal family and politics that dictate and influence the Kingdom's oil policy.

Part 2 - Scandal



In 2006, the then King Abdullah created the Allegiance Council in 2006 to help select future rulers. In March 2014, Prince Muqrin was appointed by Abdullah to be the next in line after Salman, placing Muqrin to be the third in line to the throne at the time. Prince Muqrin has now been elevated to second in line following the death of Abdullah. 

However, the appointment of Muqrin was not an unanimous decision by the Allegiance Council. It was in fact, somewhat of a surprise given Muqrin's mother is of Yemeni origin and not of Saudi Arabia. It is believed that Muqrin was selected by Abdullah as he was the most likely to continue Abdullah's domestic reform policy, which he was unable to fully devote his time to when he became King.

Since King Salman's crowning, Salman has appointed his nephew Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef to the post of Second deputy Premier, the post also held by Muqrin. This essentially places Salman's nephew to be next in line to the throne, potentially undermining Muqrin's rise. Furthermore, it is now unknown whether Salman will demolish the Allegiance Council altogether.

Muqrin

vs

Bin Nayef