Saudi leadership changes may face internal opposition

Significance

Deputy Crown Prince and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef (55) replaces Salman's half-brother, Muqrin (69), as crown prince, making him the first of the next generation of Saudi princes to become heir to the throne. The king also appointed his favourite son, Defence Minister and head of the Royal Court Mohammed bin Salman, who is still in his early 30s, as deputy crown prince. In the cabinet reshuffle, King Salman removed the kingdom's long-serving foreign minister Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal and promoted the CEO of state oil company Aramco to the health ministry.

Impacts

• As king, Mohammed bin Nayef could opt to remove Mohammed bin Salman from the succession.
• Public signs of dissent are likely to be limited.
• There will be minimal policy changes in the near-term, but decision-making is likely to speed up.
• New appointments at Aramco and the oil ministry could signal a new direction in economic and oil policy.
• Security cooperation with the United States will be bolstered