By Jassar Al Tahat
AMMAN — The Lower House held two sessions on Wednesday to continue the debate of the draft laws for the state budget and the budgets of independent government units.
MPs proceeded to present arguments for measures they said can replace “taxation policies”, which would “harm Jordan on economic and social levels”.
Deputies took turns to express their views on the draft laws, and stressed the urgent need to achieve social justice and mitigate economic hardships, describing such measures as the cornerstone of complete security.
Lawmakers also highlighted the need to support security and army personnel.
“We will not allow anyone to cross the line when addressing our great army,” Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh said. “We stand by them.”
Maan Deputy Ibrahim Bdour said consecutive governments have been implementing similar economic policies, which — over the years — have created a “consumer economy model rather than a productive one”.
According to Bdour, unemployment reached 16 per cent in the third quarter of 2016.
“We don’t need reports to inform us of poverty and unemployment in Jordan. [The problem] is clear to all Jordanians,” he added.
Mansour Murad (Amman, 3rd District) criticised the government’s policies, saying the budget has not been prepared in a realistic way to deal properly with the “economic crisis”.
Murad pointed to the International Monetary Fund’s instructions to Jordan, and warned that this issue might affect the sovereignty of the state.
For his part, Mafraq Deputy Shuaib Shdeifat said Jordanians have no faith in budget debates, describing them as” mere slogans” and political theatre.
“The government underestimates the citizens,” he charged.
“The budget law will be approved either way,” added Shdeifat.
The 130-strong Lower House will continue debates on Thursday.
Lawmakers will vote on the budget bill after hearing the government’s response to MPs’ remarks.
© Jordan Times 2017
