Middle EastKuwait political standoff escalates in game of musical chairs Ahmed Hagagy 3 minute read A view shows the first parliament session held after elections, in Kuwait City, Kuwait December 15, 2020. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee Kuwaiti opposition lawmakers intent on questioning the prime minister were on Tuesday obstructing parliamentary business by occupying ministers' seats, escalating a standoff between the appointed government and the elected assembly. The government refused to attend Tuesday's session after MPs sat in seats reserved for ministers, the speaker said, the second such incident preventing sessions from going ahead. Out of 50 elected members, 26 on Monday tweeted: "There will only be a session if the prime minister takes the podium (to be questioned)."