Saudi King appoints his son as ‘crown prince’
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Wednesday made his son his successor, removing his nephew as crown prince and giving the 31-year old almost unprecedented powers as the world’s leading oil exporter implements transformational reforms.
A royal decree appointed Mohammed bin Salman crown prince and deputy prime minister. He retains defense, oil and other portfolios.
Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, 57, has also been removed from his role as head of domestic security, state media say.
The decision by King Salman to promote his son and consolidate his power was endorsed by 31 out of 34 members of the Allegiance Council, the decree said.
Saudi media say King Salman has called for a public pledge of allegiance to the new crown prince in the holy city of Mecca on Wednesday night.
According to the official Saudi Press Agency, Mohammed bin Nayef promptly vowed loyalty to his successor after the decree.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman has since accumulated vast powers in the wealthy kingdom, a crucial ally of the United States, serving as defense minister, overseeing the state oil company and working to overhaul the Saudi economy.
