Jordan PM resigns but protests continue

Jordanian protesters hold an anti-government protest in capital Amman, January 28, 2011

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/163098.html

Jordan's King Abdullah II has sacked the government and asked ex-premier Marouf Bakhit to name a new cabinet, a choice that equally drew criticism from the opposition.

On Tuesday, King Abdullah II accepted the resignation of the government led by Prime Minister Samir Rifai, who formed the first government in December 2009 and reshuffled it after parliamentary elections in November 2010, AFP reported.

"King Abdullah II designated Marouf Bakhit to form a new government to replace the government of Samir Rifai," a palace statement said.

"Bakhit's mission is to take practical, quick and tangible steps to launch true political reforms, enhance Jordan's democratic drive and ensure safe and decent living for all Jordanians."

The decision comes amid massive demonstrations sweeping the Persian Gulf kingdom over the past three weeks.

Jordanian protesters, inspired by the revolution in Tunisia and the massive uprising in Egypt, have been criticizing the government for its failure to carry out necessary political and economic reforms.

The opposition demands "the resignation of the government, the amendment of the electoral law and the formation of a national salvation government headed by an elected prime minister," said Zaki Bani Rsheid, a member of the Islamic Action Front (IAF) executive council.

They also call for constitutional changes to limit the king's power in naming prime ministers, arguing that the premiership should go to the leader of the parliamentary majority.

Meanwhile, the king's appointment of Bakhit, the country's prime minister from 2005 to 2007, has been met with criticism from IAF leaders who argue that the one-time premier "is a not a man of reforms."

"He carried out the worst parliamentary elections in Jordan in 2007," Bani Rsheid said, referring to the disputed general polls on November 20, 2007, which was shrouded in fraud and rigging allegations.

"We need a man who is well respected by the people, a man who does not have a history of corruption and oppression. How can he (Bakhit) lead political reform?" the opposition leaders questioned.