Amman, after days of protests, premier Mulki resigns

For days, citizens were demonstrating against inflation and unemployment. According to critics, the proposed norm would have further impoverished working classes. King Abdullah ready to entrust the task of forming a new government to the Minister of Education. Western chancelleries closely follow the fate of their regional ally.

Amman (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Mulki has resigned after days of protests against a tax reform sought by the executive and supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The proposed norm aimed to curb the effects of inflation and unemployment, but, according to critics [the demonstrations are led by trade unionists and civil society personalities], would have further impoverished working classes.

Yesterday King Abdallah II received the head of the executive at the palace, which informed him of the decision to resign. The hope is that the resignation will calm protest, which have been the most impressive in recent years.

The protesters, led by trade union leaders, chanted anti-government slogans. During the four days of protest there were sporadic clashes with the police, which caused some injuries among the officers.

Analysts and experts doubt that the resignation of the premier will be enough to stop the demonstrations. Jordan has natural resources [including oil] that are very limited compared to other countries in the region and hosts up to one million refugees, most of them Iraqi, Syrian or Yemen fleeing war. The country has survived the revolts of the Arab Spring in 2011, but today is facing an economic crisis that has led to a high rate of unemployment and an increase in inflation.

Citizens and the international community, especially in the West, which considers Amman a key ally in the area, are closely watching the decisions that will be made in the next few days by King Abdallah, who has the final say. According to some well-informed sources, he would have accepted the resignation of Milki, premier since June 2016, and would be ready to entrust the task of forming a new executive to the Minister of Education and Economic Omar al-Razzaz.

• jordan
• fmi
• economy
• development
• poverty
• king abdallah
• muslims
• islam
• protests