Prince Mohammed bin Salman Is Not the First Heir To Become a Prime Minister
The Claim
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud is the first to become a prime minister of Saudi Arabia without being king.
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Following the appointment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a prime minister, social media users, claimed that he is the first to become a prime minister of Saudi Arabia without being king. Other users alleged that he is the first prime minister in the history of Saudi Arabia.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading. Prince Mohammed bin Salman is neither the first to become a prime minister without being king, nor the first prime minister.
Saudi Prime Ministers
According to Misbar’s investigation, the reign of the Saud dynasty also witnessed the appointment of crown Princes as prime ministers.
In 1953, Crown Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz became a prime minister while he was still an heir to the throne. His first mandate lasted from October 9, 1953, to November 9, 1953. Saud bin Abdulaziz continued his role as prime minister after he succeeded his father to the throne.
In 1954, Crown Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz also became a prime minister without being a King.
Therefore, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not the first ever prince to become a prime minister in Saudi Arabia.
MBS Appointed as Prime Minister
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, known worldwide by his initials MBS, was appointed prime minister on September 27 by a royal decree signed by his father, King Salman.
Prince bin Salman has been described as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia even before taking on this new title.
The Crown Prince has previously been appointed as deputy prime minister as well as defence minister. Prince MBS is being replaced as defence minister by his brother, Khalid bin Salman.
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