Embattled Jordan PM summoned by king over mass protests

By: The Associated Press

Monday, June 4, 2018 5:05 AM

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) An official website says Jordan's embattled prime minister is heading to a meeting with King Abdullah II, in the wake of the largest anti-government protests in the kingdom since 2011.

Thousands have filled the streets of the kingdom in recent days to protest planned tax increases and have called for the resignation of Prime Minister Hani Mulki.

The Hala Akhbar site, linked to Jordan's military, says Mulki was on his way to the palace Monday.

The summoning of Mulki by the monarch has fueled speculation he might be asked to resign. It's unclear if his departure would suffice to defuse growing public anger over a series of austerity measures.

The king, who has final say on all policy issues, has frequently disbanded governments to manage crises of public confidence.

Embattled Jordan PM summoned by king over mass protests

Jordanian protesters shout slogans and raise a national flag during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in the capital Amman early Monday, June 4, 2018. Thousands of Jordanians protested against a planned tax increase for a fourth straight day Sunday, marching toward the office of the prime minister and demanding his resignation. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian riot police and security forces scuffle with protesters during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in the capital Amman early Monday, June 4, 2018. Thousands of Jordanians protested against a planned tax increase for a fourth straight day Sunday, marching toward the office of the prime minister and demanding his resignation. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanians tend to an unconscious protester during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in the capital Amman early Monday, June 4, 2018. Thousands of Jordanians protested against a planned tax increase for a fourth straight day Sunday, marching toward the office of the prime minister and demanding his resignation. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Members of the Jordanian gendarmerie and security forces stand on alert in the capital Amman early Monday, June 4, 2018. Thousands of Jordanians protested against a planned tax increase for a fourth straight day Sunday, marching toward the office of the prime minister and demanding his resignation. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian riot police and security forces scuffle with protesters attempting to breach the area as they stand guard during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in the capital Amman early Monday, June 4, 2018. Thousands of Jordanians protested against a planned tax increase for a fourth straight day Sunday, marching toward the office of the prime minister and demanding his resignation (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian protesters argue with members of the gendarmerie and security forces during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in the capital Amman early Monday, June 4, 2018. Thousands of Jordanians protested against a planned tax increase for a fourth straight day Sunday, marching toward the office of the prime minister and demanding his resignation. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian protesters shout slogans and raise a national flag during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in the capital Amman late early Monday, June 4, 2018. Thousands of Jordanians protested against a planned tax increase for a fourth straight day Sunday, marching toward the office of the prime minister and demanding his resignation.(AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

The Associated Press