Razzaz’s government sworn in before King

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz and his Cabinet were sworn in on Thursday before His Majesty King Abdullah, who issued a Royal Decree ordering the formation of the Cabinet after the resignation of the government of Hani Mulki, the Royal Court said in a statement.

Besides Razzaz, the Cabinet consists of 28 ministers including 7 women for the first time in the history of the Kingdom.

It includes 11 first-time ministers and 17 who have served in previous governments.

King Abdullah entrusted Razzaz to form a new government, succeeding that of Hani Mulki, resigned amid nationwide protests, following a strike led by the professional associations over austerity measures.

In his reply to the Letter of Designation, Razzaz pledged to continue the path of reform and development despite the local and regional critical circumstances.

He commended Jordanians, who expressed their opinions during the recent strikes and protests with responsibility and awareness, praising the role of the security bodies in protecting protesters. 

In the implementation of the letter, in which His Majesty directed Razzaz to launch a comprehensive national revival, the premier said that the government would work on enhancing justice and social protection and improving services in accordance with the national priorities and in a way that reflects directly on citizens’ lives.

On the domestic level, the biggest challenge is the economy, said Razzaz, adding that the government will take serious and “tangible” measures to address the economic recession and move forward to stimulate its growth and make it competitive and job-generating.

For the draft income tax law, Razzaz said that the government would immediately launch a dialogue, in coordination with Parliament and with the participation of political parties, syndicates, and various civil society institutions to produce a law that takes into account progressive taxation and equality in tax burden.  

In parallel, the government will examine the public services offered in the education, health, transport and other sectors, draft plans and implement them to ensure real improvements to the quality of these services and ensure that the “money of taxpayers go to serve them”.

The premier also went over administrative reform, improving and automating services at the public sector’s institutions, and legislation to boost local and foreign investment.

On the political life, Razzaz said that the government will revisit laws in partnership with the Parliament and the civil society institutions to enhance the role of political parties.

The government will conduct a comprehensive assessment for the decentralisation project, he said.

The prime minister pledged that his government would adopt an unconventional approach that is based on field work, communication with citizens across the Kingdom and open dialogue with all institutions and people.

Razzaz also spoke about the importance of the Palestinian issue, which is the core of “all” issues, highlighting the Jordanian efforts related to the latest developments in Jerusalem.

“The government is aware of the challenges that have been facing the Kingdom due to the regional continual turmoil, which Jordan borne burdens on behalf of the world by hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees and facing the economic impacts due to the closure of borders, which hindered trade exchange with neighbouring and other countries,” said the premier. 

The Royal Court said that His Majesty met Thursday with the outgoing prime minister and ministers and thanked them for their efforts. 

Profiles of new ministers

Cabinet list

Following is the list of Prime Minister Omar Razzaz Cabinet members:

Omar Razzaz: Prime Minister and Minister of Defence

Rajai Muasher: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State 

Ayman Safadi: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates

Adel Tweisi: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Hala Lattouf: Minister of Social Development

Musa Maaytah: Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of State

Samir Murad: Minister of Labour

Mahmoud Sheyyab: Minister of Health

Yahya Kisbi: Minister of Public Works and Housing

Nayef Fayez: Minister of Environment

Walid Masri: Minister of Transport and Minister of Municipal Affairs 

Majd Shweikeh: Minister of Public Sector Development

Lina Annab: Minister of Tourism and Antiquities

Khaled Hneifat: Minister of Agriculture

Awad Abu Jarad: Minister of Justice

Muhannad Shehadeh: Minister of State for Investment Affairs

Samir Mubaidin: Minister of Interior

Abdul Nasser Abul Bassal: Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs

Ezzeddine Kanakrieh: Minister of Finance

Munir Owais: Minister of Water and Irrigation

Azmi Mahafzah: Minister of Education

Makram Qaisi: Minister of Youth

Mubarak Abu Yamin: Minister of State for Legal Affairs

Tareq Hammouri: Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply

Jumana Ghunaimat: Minister of State for Media Affairs

Hala Zawati: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources

Mary Kawar: Minister of Planning and International Cooperation

Basmah Nsour: Minister of Culture

Muthana Gharaibeh: Minister of ICT