Premier-designate continues consultations to form his Cabinet

AMMAN — Prime Minister-designate Omar Razzaz continued consultations on Wednesday to form a new government after being tasked by His Majesty King Abdullah, according to informed sources.

They indicated that the new government is expected to be sworn in on Thursday.

The premier-designate is keen on taking all the time he needs to ensure that the new Cabinet lineup is capable of addressing the economic, social and political challenges facing Jordan, the sources told The Jordan Times on Wednesday.

The lineup is expected to include two deputy prime ministers, including a portfolio for economic affairs and another for prime ministry affairs, in addition to more women ministers than the previous government.

During his consultations with lawmakers, political parties and professional associations over the past few days, Razzaz stressed that the new government will not be a totally technocrat one.

He said it is not enough to be a technocrat government at this stage, even if it was fully aware of the technical aspects of its work, stressing that it is important for the Cabinet to understand the political and security implications of its decisions.

On June 5th, His Majesty King Abdullah entrusted Omar Razzaz with forming a new government, succeeding that of Hani Mulki, after nationwide protests in rejection of the income tax draft law and the government›s economic policies.

In the Letter of Designation to Razzaz, His Majesty said that the new government is tasked with leading a revival that harnesses the potential of Jordanians and ensures them quality services, a lean and efficient government system and a social safety system that protects the vulnerable within a fair tax environment.

His Majesty set a number of priorities for the government, foremost of which is to address the slow growth of the economy and the resulting decline in employment opportunities, especially among young people. Therefore, the King said, the priority for the government is to unleash and stimulate Jordan›s economic potential to restore its potential for growth, competition and job generation.

His Majesty cited rising operational costs and red tape as obstacles that hinder the competitiveness of the economy and limit its potential, directing Razzaz and his in-the-making team to seek creative solutions within an action programme and a tight timeframe.

The government, the letter said, should immediately launch a dialogue in coordination with the Parliament and with the participation of parties, unions and various civil society institutions to come up with an income tax draft law, which the King described as indispensible and an entry point into an era of growth and justice.

Following his designation, Razzaz said the government would withdraw the income tax draft law after taking their oath and start a dialogue about the bill.