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Journalism of Courage
Jordan8217;s King Abdullah II,bowing to public pressure,fired his government Tuesday and tasked a new Prime Minister with quickly boosting economic opportunities and giving people a greater say in politics.
Rifai,45,who has been widely blamed for a rise in fuel and food prices and slow-moving political reforms,tendered his resignation early Tuesday to the king,who accepted it immediately,a Royal Palace statement said.
Abdullah named ex-general Marouf al-Bakhit,63,as Rifais replacement. Abdullah ordered al-Bakhit to undertake quick and tangible steps for real political reforms,which reflect our vision for comprehensive modernisation and development in Jordan. Abdullah also demanded an immediate revision of laws governing politics and public freedoms, including legislation governing political parties,public meetings and elections.
Jordans most powerful opposition group,the Muslim Brotherhood,dismissed the changes as cosmetic. We reject the new Prime Minister and we will continue our protests until our demands are met, said Hamza Mansour,leader of the Islamic Action Front,the Brotherhoods political arm.
