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29 March 2024

Prince Alwaleed calls for elections in Saudi Arabia

Published
By AFP

Billionaire Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal has called for parliamentary elections in Saudi Arabia.

Prince Alwaleed, the richest Arab businessman and a nephew of King Abdullah, said in a television interview aired late on Tuesday the king's January decision to appoint 30 women to the council was "very important" but needed to go further.

"For this to become historic, I think two things are essential: first, elections, even if partial, and, more importantly, (giving) powers," he said in the interview aired on several channels, most belonging to his media empire.

The prince also said that ending a ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia was a matter of time.

"I think that driving (for women) is definitely coming," he said, playing up the economic benefits of saving wages paid to foreign drivers.

Prince Alwaleed regretted the "negative" outcome of Arab Spring uprisings.

Prince Alwaleed regretted the "negative" outcome of Arab Spring uprisings. He said the leaders in the Gulf " look after the interests of their peoples."