PM says gov’t ‘carefully navigating delicate stage’ in region

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Tuesday said the government is handling the country’s affairs with utmost care and sensitivity in light of the critical state the region is going through.

Ensour added that handling the country’s affairs currently requires zero tolerance for error, especially “with the presence of super powers’ jets only 50km from the Kingdom’s airspace”.

The premier made the remarks during the Lower House’s oversight session in response to MPs’ calls on the government to employ more prudent policies.

Ensour said his government is not exaggerating the gravity of the current situation, assuring lawmakers that Jordan is strong and resilient thanks to the army and other security agencies.

He added that criticism of the government should be within a larger context and not picky, focusing on one single aspect, stressing that the government is not seeking to harm anyone by increasing prices but is only navigating the current difficult stage.

MPs called on the government to improve the living conditions of civil servants and military personnel, criticising its economic policies and the rise in unemployment rates.

The House decided to postpone looking into a question to the government on the increase of water prices submitted by MP Rula Hroub (Stronger Jordan list) because Water Minister Hazem Nasser was not present under the Dome.

Finance Minister Omar Malhas said he will provide information to MP Mahmoud Kharabsheh (Balqa, 1st District) who submitted a question to the government on the rise in public debt from 2012 to 2015. 

Kharabsheh said he will maintain his right to change his question into an inquiry if not convinced with the answers.

An individual MP or a coalition can, under the Constitution, ask for a vote of no confidence against a minister or the government if they are not satisfied with the answers to their queries on certain issues.