Saudi king's son named crown prince, upends royal succession
The monarch stripped Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who was first in line to the throne, from his title as crown prince
Saudi King Salman ousted his nephew as crown prince on Wednesday and installed his son Mohammed bin Salman - the first of a new generation set for power in a conservative kingdom used to ageing leaders.
His appointment completes a gradual removal of powers from Mohammed bin Nayef, 57, who has been fired, with his rise symbolising the hopes of Saudi’s youthful population, more than half of which is under 25.
According to a royal decree issued by the official Saudi Press Agency, Mohammed bin Salman, 31, was also named deputy prime minister, and maintains his post as minister of defence.
His appointment caps a tumultuous two years since Salman, 81, ascended the throne and named the thick-bearded Mohammed bin Salman deputy crown prince, or second in line to the throne.
Mohammed bin Nayef, a veteran law enforcer well-regarded in the West for his efforts to combat Al-Qaeda, was also fired from his post as interior minister, the decree said.
The decision settles what many analysts had described as a power struggle between Prince Mohammed, who has led an aggressive expansion of the country’s foreign policy, and his cousin. The elevation of the king’s son, known as MBS, came sooner than many expected.