'House to hold confidence vote today'

AMMAN — The Lower House is scheduled to hold a vote of confidence session on Prime Minister Hani Mulki's government today, Speaker Atef Tarawneh announced on Wednesday.

The Lower House on Wednesday resumed discussing the government's policy statement that Mulki delivered last week, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The 130-strong House had decided earlier to allocate 15 minutes to each deputy and 30 minutes to each bloc to take the podium.

During the past three sessions, lawmakers highlighted problems facing the Kingdom in general and their constituencies in particular, regarding transportation, education, economy, health and labour.

Deputies also focused on issues related to the economy and combating corruption, criticising a deal to import gas from Israel and railing against changes to school curricula that sparked recent controversy. 

During Wednesday's sessions, MPs highlighted the effect of regional crises on Jordan and its future, criticising the government for not covering regional issues in its policy statement.

They also reiterated criticism of the gas agreement signed with Noble Energy, a Houston-based company that holds the largest share in the Israeli Leviathan gas field, as well as the changes to school curricula. 

MP Saud Abu Mahfouz (Zarqa, 1st District) highlighted Zarqa Governorate's urgent needs to improve its services.

Deputy Ahmad Lozi (Amman, 5th District) called for securing a decent life for citizens and supporting the armed forces and security agencies.

He said that Jordan is closest to Palestine and its cause, stressing that the Kingdom is committed to helping support the Palestinians in establishing their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. 

Deputy Mustafa Khasawneh (Irbid, 3rd District) called for removing red tape to attract investments, noting that too much bureaucracy drives away investors.

He also highlighted the instability of tax legislation, calling for a balanced tax policy that stimulates investment and achieves justice for people with low and middle incomes.