Demonstrators call for political reforms in Jordan

Demonstrators call for political reforms in Jordan

2011-02-17 05:15:15 GMT+7 (ICT)

AMMAN, JORDAN (BNO NEWS): Demonstrators gathered in Amman and the northern city of Irbid on Wednesday to call for political reforms in Jordan, Arab News reported.

Dozens of activists demanded the resignation of the new cabinet and the restoration of the 1952 constitution, a landmark in Jordan's democratic march, in front of the royal court in the capital city. Protestors pressed for the annulment of amendments that were introduced into the constitution, which allows the king to appoint and dismiss prime ministers.

In Irbid, about 80 kilometers north of Amman, hundreds of protesters marched calling for the resignation of the government and the dissolution of the lower house of parliament that was elected on November 9, 2010. Protesters also denounced government corruption and called for a trial of corrupts, Arab News reported.

Last Wednesday, Jordan's King Abdullah II approved a new 27-member cabinet after a series of protests inspired by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt. The new cabinet led by ex-premier Marouf Bakhit replaces the government of former prime minister Samir Rifai, which the monarch sacked last month.

Thousands of protesters have called on Samir Rifai and his government to resign. The previous goverment was blamed for price hikes, excessive taxation, unemployment, and difficult economic conditions.

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