Jordan’s New Prime Minister Appointed by King Abdullah II: What You Need to Know
Jordan’s King Abdullah II has appointed his chief-of-staff, Jafar Hassan, as the country’s new prime minister. This appointment comes after Jordan’s recent parliamentary election, which saw low turnout and significant gains by the Islamist opposition.
Who is Jafar Hassan?
- Jafar Hassan, aged 56, previously served as the planning minister before taking on the role of King Abdullah II’s chief of staff.
- He now replaces outgoing Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, who had been leading the government since October 2020.
King’s Expectations for the New Premier
King Abdullah has called on Hassan to prioritize supporting the resilience of the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem. The king emphasized the importance of working with Arab and international entities to protect the Palestinians and address humanitarian concerns.
Islamist Opposition’s Success
- The Islamic Action Front (IAF), an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan, secured significant gains in the recent election, winning 31 out of 138 seats.
- The IAF’s success can be attributed to public discontent over the Gaza conflict and economic challenges in Jordan.
- Despite Jordan’s diplomatic relations with Israel and the United States, the public sentiment in Jordan leans towards supporting the Palestinian cause, with a substantial portion of the population being of Palestinian origin.
Economic Implications and Challenges for Jordan
- The conflict in Gaza has had a negative impact on Jordan’s tourism industry, a significant contributor to the country’s GDP.
- Jordan relies heavily on foreign aid, particularly from the US and the IMF, to address its public debt exceeding $50 billion and implement necessary reforms.
In summary, Jordan’s political landscape is evolving, with the appointment of a new prime minister and the rise of the Islamist opposition. The country’s economic challenges, coupled with its complex relationships with neighboring countries, will shape its future trajectory and impact its citizens and international partners. Stay tuned for more updates on Jordan’s political and economic developments.