Jordan's new government sworn in after mass protests

AFP  |  Amman 

Jordan's new government was sworn in today, after mass protests against price rises and measures forced the prime minister's resignation.

The government shake-up has seen half the cabinet's 28 ministers replaced, with and among those keeping their jobs.

The defence portfolio goes to Razzaz, while new ministers were appointed in the areas including finance, planning, international cooperation and regional development.

Since being asked to form a government by on June 4, Razzaz said he had been engaged in talks with different parties to "reach a fair taxation system for everyone".

Cash-strapped relies heavily on foreign donors and in 2016 secured a USD 723-million loan from the

But measures tied to the loan have seen prices of basic necessities rise across the kingdom.

Jordanians protested in and other cities over a proposed tax hike, with the scale of demonstrations prompting the resignation of

The public rallies were followed by a crisis meeting with Saudi Arabia, the and Kuwait, concluding on Sunday with Jordan's neighbours pledging USD 2.5 billion in aid.

The donors' rival followed up with an offer of USD 500,000 in investment and promised to create 10,000 jobs for Jordanians.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Thu, June 14 2018. 22:55 IST