Saudi Arabia’s crown prince becomes prime minister

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has become the prime minister of the kingdom.

As part of a cabinet reshuffle,  King Salman made the announcement on Tuesday, according to a royal decree published by the official Saudi Press Agency.

The heads of other critical ministries, including interior, foreign and energy, have remained in place.

Prince Mohammed is already de facto ruler of the world’s largest oil exporter, and the appointment formalises his role as leader of the kingdom’s government.

The crown prince, known by his initials MBS, previously served as deputy prime minister as well as defence minister. He is being replaced as defence minister by his younger brother, Khalid bin Salman, who was deputy defence minister.

By appointing MBS as prime minister, a role previously – and typically – held by the king, the 86-year-old monarch continues a slow but steady transfer of power in the kingdom.