Bin Salman, one of the King’s 12 sons, has been making international waves over the past year, with his Vision 2030 statement and the related National Transformation Plan — a program aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy away from energy in the hope of raising living standards over the next decade. He has also been deemed a key player in Riyadh’s decision to isolate Qatar amid allegations that Doha’s ruling family supported terrorism.
Bin Nayef, meanwhile, has maintained a low profile since his accession to the number-two post in Saudi Arabia and the contrast between his quiet attitude and his cousin’s high profile has been widely commented on at home and abroad, the Brookings Institution said in a 2016.
Known for his work as Saudi’s counter-terror chief, bin Nayef still maintains a loyal following within the state apparatus, so it was not immediately clear whether he would comply with the royal decree or launch a soft coup in retaliation.
Because bin Salman’s tapping as the Kingdom’s next leader comes before King Salman’s death, that could cause further divisions within the royal family and lead to a contested royal succession turning violent, the Council on Foreign Relations wrote in May in response to speculation about a possible promotion for the young prince.
“His growing portfolio of responsibilities, which ranges from defense minister to head of the economic council, has been gained at the expense of more senior members of the royal family, reportedly causing considerable resentment,” the think-tank warned in that note.
Whether or not bin Salman’s succession turns into a more serious matter will depend on the success of recent domestic reform initiatives, the May note continued.
