Jordan’s parliament has given a heavy vote of confidence to the new technocrat-dominated Cabinet, which is seeking to implement a wide range of reforms.
The Cabinet was formed last month following elections for the 120-seat parliament, which were boycotted by the Islamic opposition.
Thursday’s 111-8 vote — with one lawmaker absent — followed Prime Minister Samir Rifai’s pledge to maintain fuel and wheat subsidies to help the poor.
Rifai also vowed to make funds available for major projects, like nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and to draw drinking water to the parched capital from an acquifer in the south.
He also promised a bigger role for political parties, greater public and press freedoms and new legislation encouraging decentralization. – Khaleejtime
