Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz on Wednesday (April 29) replaced his younger half-brother as crown prince and appointed his nephew, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, as the new heir apparent, state television said.
“Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz al-Saud is relieved from his position as crown prince and deputy prime minister in accordance to his wishes. Secondly, the selection of his highness Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as the crown prince, deputy prime minister, interior minister and head of the political and security affairs council. Thirdly, this order will be sent to the relevant parties for it to be implemented. (Signed King) Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud,” said a news anchor at Saudi state TV.
He also appointed his son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as deputy crown prince.
“We have chosen Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud as deputy crown prince and we have ordered that he is also appointed a second deputy prime minister and the defense minister, and the head of the economic and development affairs council - (signed) Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud,” the decree being read on state TV said.
The king replaced veteran foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, who has been foreign minister since October 13, 1975 (just under 40 years) with the kingdom's Washington ambassador Adel al-Jubeir taken the top diplomat post in his place.
“The king accepts the request of Foreign Minister Prince Saud bin Faisal bin Abdelaziz al-Saud, be relieved of his duty due to the circumstances of his health. Secondly, this order will be sent to the relevant parties for it to be implemented. (Signed) Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.”
“Mr. Adel al-Jubeir is appointed as foreign minister. Secondly, this order will be sent to the relevant parties for it to be implemented. (Signed) Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.”
The changes signaled a major shift at the top of the ruling Al Saud family away from princes chosen by the late King Abdullah, who died in January, and towards those close to the new monarch.