Saudi King’s Surprise Shakeup Clears Son’s Path to the Throne

World News Nilgun Salim
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King of Saudi Arabia designated the heir to the throne and has named Mohammed bin Salman, his 31-year-old son as successor, the New York Times writes.

The move, announced on Wednesday, is a powerful overthrow in the leadership of the rich kingdom, a key ally of the United States and the strongest economy in the Arab world.

Prince Mohammed was relatively unknown until 2015 when his father, Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, now 81, reached the throne.

Meanwhile, he has accumulated vast powers, serving as Defense Minister and overseeing the state oil company.

Those who support him claim the prince that he is a hard-working person has a powerful vision and represents the hope of their kingdom by focusing on the young population.

On the other hand, his opponents accuse him of corruption, claim he is inexperienced and is thirsty for power.

Until Wednesday’s announcement, the successor to the throne was Prince 57-year-old Mohammed bin Nayef, one of the king’s grandsons, widely respected by the Saudis and their foreign allies for dismantling Al-Qaeda networks.

The King’s decision removed him both from the order of succession and from the post of Interior Minister.