RIYADH (Yosefardi) – Saudi TV reported that Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 79 years old, is now officially the new Saudi King, to serve a Prime Minister and Defense Minister.
Salman has been crowned prince since 2012. Prior, he also served as the governor of Riyadh province for five decades. Salman acted as the family enforcer, discreetly settling problems with some of thousands of royals who live in the capital.
Salman and his family own a media group, including pan-Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat and Al Eqtisadiah.
Salman is widely believed to be unwell, with speculation he is suffering from dementia or Parkinson disease.
King Salman’s crown prince will be his younger brother Prince Murqin, the youngest surviving son of Kin Abdulaziz, who was named deputy crown prince last year. (rully@yosefardi.biz)