(MENAFN - Alghad Newspaper)

The government has decided to go ahead with the second batch of 'fiscal reforms for the second year of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s programme.

Accordingly, the government has enacted the bread de-subsidisation protocol, which increased the price of bread overall.

Right before Dr Hani Mulqi's cabinet approved of the enactment, the government raised the general sales tax on a number of services and commodities, including tomatoes and cucumber.

Meanwhile, the official narrative reaffirms that the pressures of this crisis will soon lighten up, come year's end. By then, Jordanians would have partially funded the government's deficit, out of their own pockets, with enough to overcome the fiscal crisis suffocating the economy.

Primarily, there is no debating the fact that these hikes are vast and encompassing.

Then, of course, there is the fact that these hikes and revamps came in such a precise time, as the region faces up to an open array of possible scenarios. Not to mention the Jerusalem situation and the US recognition of the occupied city as the capital of Israel. Added the inter-continental threat of ISIS, whose quests failed in host countries, and now seek revenge against everybody!

Jordanians are enraged!

Regardless of their incomes, Jordanians in general are dissatisfied with the government's recent decisions. Each, naturally, for their own reasons. Those surviving on fixed incomes know they do not make enough to survive the hike. And the middle class is scared they will soon slide into poverty.

All the while, the impoverished are voiceless and helpless, unable to express their suffering.

In the meantime, the social security net our government spoke so much of offers none of the aspects of security it promised. It does cover the bare minimum requirements to compensate for the searing prices and costs of living. Let alone protect society from the impending social and cultural changes sure to follow the government's inexplicable measures. Rising unemployment, poverty, the erosion of the middle class and the widening class gap doesn't make it any more bearable for Jordanians!

Additionally, the absence of applicable development policies makes development at this point, under these circumstances, notwithstanding, unattainable. Naturally too, the youth, above all, are the ones paying the price for the government's failures over the years!

However, bold decisions have now been made, although at the expense of the state's relationship with the taxpayer.

One way or another, this fact places us all at an impasse. Will the government do what it takes to successfully, manage the compound Jordanian crisis?

What will the government do to bridge the confidence gap? Have these 'reforms given the people hope for the future or have they reinforced the sense of abandonment in the face of magnificent odds?

Foremost, provocation given the sensitivity of the situation is unforgiveable! The government must be careful not to make any uncalculated, provocative statements, that's one.

The people are overwhelmed with negative sentiment towards the government. They know, for a fact, that our governments, over the years, are responsible for Jordan's predicament. And this, mind you, is the core cause of the distrust!

This year, and perhaps even the next few years, will not be easy for Jordanian households —and this is an understatement. As the security net falls terribly short on the requirement of socio-economic sustenance of the security, socially and economically, the government must revisit the programme.

Needless to say, revisiting it entails enhancements to the quality of service and the coverage of its benefits, necessarily. No excuses. And it must be done now. The typical justification for failure, that we have limited resources, will not do, after everything the government did and all the decisions made!

The coming phase will be difficult and the people's burden is heavier than ever.

Managing the crisis requires a new national covenant, to rejuvenate hope and give Jordanians the energy and optimism to look beyond this phase. Naturally, the government's media narrative must adjust to the current situation, instead of the obvious political absence.

It is time for honest dialogue and conversation; open communication, as opposed to the withdrawal that is only worsening the confidence crisis.

Instead of trying to justify, the government must draw out a narrative for a brighter future, entailing practical, tangible economic reforms to tackle unemployment and poverty. This is vital for the youth, whose disenfranchisement only drives them towards violence, drugs and extremism!

Our youth are our hope for development and prosperity; we must not lose them to the current dismay!

This is a critical stage for Jordan.

Yes, we have weathered tougher storms before, but in order to manage this one, we need a different mentality and narrative. A mind-set that approaches the situation with wisdom and clarity.

This article is an edited translation of the Arabic version, published by AlGhad

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