Jordanian lawmaker criticizes PM over 29-member Cabinet

By Laith Joneidi and Said Ibicioglu

AMMAN

A Jordanian lawmaker on Tuesday criticized the 29-member Cabinet in his country and called on Prime Minister Omar Razzaz to “draw inspiration” from Turkey.

“I was expecting the Prime Minister to immediately visit Turkey, and to congratulate the Turkish president’s victory in the elections, and be inspired by the Turkish experience to form a government of only 16 ministers,” Kamal Az-Zaghoul said at the parliament.

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan unveiled his new 16-member Cabinet in the capital Ankara.

On June 4, Jordanian Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki tendered his resignation to King Abdullah II, following protests over a controversial income tax bill.

Abdullah accepted the resignation and appointed Education Minister Omar al-Razzaz to lead the new government.

Jordan has been rocked by protests after the government approved an amended version of a tax bill that would, if passed, subject all annual incomes of 8,000 Jordanian dinars (roughly $11,200) or more to additional taxes.