Thousands of Jordanians urge new PM to implement political reforms

Thousands of Jordanians urge new PM to implement political reforms

2011-10-22 16:28:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

AMMAN (BNO NEWS) -- Thousands of Jordanians marched in downtown Amman on Friday to urge the country's new prime minister to implement tangible political changes, local media reported on Saturday.

Activists joined the pro-reform demonstration dubbed "Tribes Friday" to condemn corruption and demand genuine political reforms. The participants denounced what they described as "state-sponsored thuggery" which is perpetrated against pro-reform protesters and activists by groups declaring themselves as "loyalists," Ammon News reported.

Friday's protest witnessed the participation of the Islamic Front Action (IAF), leftists, youth groups and a number of leaders of prominent tribes. They urged prime minister-designate Awn Khasawneh, who was appointed this week, to implement tangible political changes as the international judge prepares to announce his new government.

Jordanian King Abdullah II on Monday accepted the resignation of Marouf Bakhit, who submitted his resignation during his second term in office which he had held since February 1. Jordanian protesters had been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Bakhit's government for its failure to carry out political reforms.

In July, Jordan's King Abdullah II issued a decree approving a cabinet reshuffle in Bakhit's government. This was the first reshuffle of the cabinet, which was formed in February after protesters called for the resignation of then-current prime minister Samir Rifai and his government. The previous government was blamed for price hikes, excessive taxation, unemployment, and difficult economic conditions.

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