The Council of Ministers (Arabic: مجلس الوزراء) is the cabinet and highest executive body of the Government of Saudi Arabia. It is chaired by the prime minister, a position traditionally held by either the king or the crown prince. Since 27 September 2022, the council has been chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
History
The Council of Ministers was established by King Abdulaziz in 1953. It is responsible for "drafting and overseeing the implementation of the internal, external, financial, economic, educational and defense policies, and general affairs of the state." It functions in accordance with the Basic Law of Saudi Arabia and is advised by the Consultative Assembly. Legislation must be ratified by a royal decree. It meets every Tuesday and is chaired by the crown prince in his capacity as Prime Minister or one of his deputies. It is the final authority for financial, executive and administrative matters. Its resolutions are non-binding unless agreed upon by a majority vote. In case of a tie, the Prime Minister casts the tie-breaking vote. The present law governing the form and function of the Council of Ministers was issued by King Fahd in 1993. Among others, it stipulates that every member of the Council must be "a Saudi national by birth and descent; well-known for righteousness and capability;" and "not previously convicted for a crime of immorality or dishonor."
In the early hours of 29 April 2015, King Salman issued 25 royal decrees which included a cabinet reshuffle. This included the removal of his brother Muqrin bin Abdulaziz as Crown Prince and appointment of his nephew Muhammad bin Nayef. The king appointed his son Mohammed bin Salman as Deputy Crown Prince.
In another reshuffle on 21 June 2017, King Salman removed his nephew as Crown Prince and appointed his son, Mohammed bin Salman, as the new Crown Prince.