Jordan’s king accepts resignation of prime minister after protests over tax rise

JORDAN’S KING Abdullah II has accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly approached a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years that are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule.

Jordan is a staunch military and political ally of the West in a turbulent region, and any threat to the kingdom’s stability is viewed with concern, particularly by neighbouring Israel and the US.

Prime Minister Hani Mulki’s resignation came following several days of mass protests across Jordan against a planned tax increase, the latest in a series of economic reforms sought by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to get the rising public debt under control.

The government has also raised prices for bread, electricity and fuel. Many Jordanians feel they are being squeezed financially by a government they perceive as corrupt and aloof, and say they are not getting services for the taxes they are asked to pay.

It is not clear if the departure of the business-friendly Mr Mulki will be enough to defuse growing public anger. Government-linked media said education minister Omar Razzaz, a Harvard-educated reformer, has been tapped as Mr Mulki’s successor.

Mr Mulki is to serve as caretaker until his replacement has been named, the state news agency Petra said.

Jordan’s king is the ultimate decision-maker on policy, but also positions himself as a unifying force above the political fray.

He has frequently reshuffled or disbanded governments as a way of quieting criticism.

Protest organiser Ali Abous said a one-day strike set for tomorrow would still take place, despite the cabinet changes.

Hatem Jarrar, a lawyer, said the resignation of Mr Mulki is a “victory for the Jordanian people who demanded to topple the government”, adding that protesters would keep pressing demands for rescinding the tax bill.