Bahrain Mirror: The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said that the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued directives to form smaller cabinet to "solve financial problems" after meeting with his son, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad.

BNA stated that the Crown Prince submitted a report to the King on "the kingdom's current financial situations affected by the drop in oil prices and other obligations," adding that the king directed the "formation of a smaller Cabinet to solve these financial problems as soon as possible" and in consultation with the Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

This step comes less than two hours after BNA announced the news of the resignation of the PM's Court president, Hussam bin Isa Al Khalifa. Observers say that this move to form a smaller cabinet could mean more influence and power for the crown prince who is the First Deputy Prime Minister.

Arabic Issue