There have been again arrests in Saudi Arabia. Mohammad bin Salman “MBS” with the control of internal security forces as well as back up from his father, King Salman, continued consolidating his power last weekend. Four (4) senior princes were arrested over the weekend by Saudi forces. Moreover, dozens of senior low-level officials were detained as well. Although some sources mention that the princes would be released soon, it could not be verified so far.

Prior to King Salman, there was a consensus within the royal family. However, it seems the consensus is dead. The latest action emphasize MSB desire to consolidate his power in order to purge the opponents and maintain all vital support of the king to himself.

Although the arrests were done due to a rumor that is linked with coup or possible health problems of King Salman, there is no source that can verify it. However, MSB desire to consolidate the power around him does not arise due to these rumors, only. The economic outlook seems getting darker and before the storm arrives, it seems MSB wants to disrupt the opposition grouping against the prince.

As you know, Saudi Arabia had decided to resume pumping oil to market in order to increase the market share despite the fact that it would decrease the oil price. Naturally, the idea is to compel Russia and other oil producers to get better deal from OPEC since the breakeven cost of oil producing is much lower than those countries in OPEC. However, the lockdown of some industrial places including school closing and enacting travel banks in order to carry out quarantine worsen the economic outlook in Saudi Arabia.

As the economic outlook is getting darker on his 2030 projection of Arabia, MSB opposition to his policies will increasingly emerge among the Saudi public since failure to reach his vision seems unlikely.