Jordan protests resume despite resignation of embattled PM

By: The Associated Press

Tuesday, June 5, 2018 12:05 AM

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) Anti-government protests have resumed in Jordan despite the resignation of the country's prime minister who had led the push for austerity measures.

Several thousand Jordanians marched toward the office of outgoing Prime Minister Hani Mulki overnight and into early Tuesday, demanding the government scrap proposed tax increases which critics say mostly target the poor and the middle class.

Riot police scuffled with some of the marchers, trying to keep them away from the building, but the fifth street protest in as many days was largely peaceful.

Mulki resigned on Monday, as Jordan's King Abdullah II tried to get a handle on the biggest protests in the kingdom in several years.

The monarch, who has the ultimate say on policy decisions, promised change, but gave no specifics on possible reforms.

Jordan protests resume despite resignation of embattled PM

Protesters gather for a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in Amman, early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian riot police and security forces stand alert as anti-government protesters gather outside the Prime Minister's office in Jordan's capital, Amman, early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian protesters shout slogans and raise a national flag during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in Amman early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian gendarmes and Jordanian security forces are on high alert in the capital of Amman, early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian gendarmes and security forces are on high alert in Amman, early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Protesters offer sweets to police officers standing guard during a protest in Amman, Jordan, early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule.(AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian gendarmes and Jordanian security forces are on high alert in Amman, early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule.(AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian riot police and security forces scuffle with protesters during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in Amman, early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Protesters gather for a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in Amman, early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled Prime Minister Hani Mulki and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

Jordanian riot police and security forces scuffle with protesters during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in Amman early Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of his embattled prime minister and reportedly tapped a leading reformer as a successor, hoping to quell the largest anti-government protests in recent years, which are also seen as a potential challenge to his two-decade-old rule. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh)

The Associated Press

FILE - In this July 14, 2017 file photo, Jordanian Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki and his Japanese counterpart inspect an honor guard during a welcome ceremony, in Tokyo. Official media said Monday, June 4, 2018, that al-Mulki, Jordan's embattled prime minister, has submitted his resignation amid mounting anti-government protests over a planned tax increase and recent price hikes of fuel and other basic goods. (David Mareuil/Pool Photo via AP, File)

The Associated Press