Jordan Cabinet reshuffle to boost modernization, IMF reforms: PM

AMMAN: A Cabinet reshuffle in the Jordanian government will aid the country’s modernization efforts and spur reforms recommended by the IMF, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh has said.
The newly reshuffled government held a session on Thursday, headed by Khasawneh, following the issuance of a royal decree approving the Cabinet reshuffle, Jordan’s News Agency (Petra) reported.
Khasawneh thanked the outgoing ministers for their efforts, stressing that all Cabinet members had worked in an “exceptional” atmosphere and assumed responsibility in difficult circumstances to serve the Hashemite leadership, Jordan and its people.
He congratulated the new ministers, said Petra.
The PM said that the earlier Cabinet accomplished many of its duties, under the King’s Letter of Designation to the government, including dealing with pandemic-related issues.
“The government was also formed in light of constitutional deadlines, after the end of the 8th Parliament’s tenure, and tasked the Independent Election Commission (IEC) to hold new parliamentary elections on their constitutional date,” he added.
The government also presented its first budget following an agreement with the IMF to speed up the pace of structural economic reforms. The government pledged to pursue structural reforms that revive the national economy, with a commitment to avoid imposing new taxes in any form.
Khasawneh said that the Cabinet was “proud” of its achievements in protecting Jordan’s economy, improving economic conditions, maintaining public finances and promoting monetary independence.
Referring to “great” achievements during Jordan’s first centenary, the prime minister said that the government has launched a comprehensive reform path along three main axes: Political, economic and public sector modernization.
The three modernization tracks will overlap and converge to make the comprehensive modernization endeavors “successful,” Khasawneh added.