Jordan’s King Abdullah has told the government to pursue political “modernisation”, as proposed constitutional changes leave significant powers in the country with the monarch.
Jordan is in an economic downturn and the authorities intensified a crackdown on dissent this year. Last month, a royal committee appointed by the monarch developed political reform proposals.
The Hashemite Royal Court said in a statement that King Abdullah met Prime Minister Bisher Al Khasawneh and members of the cabinet on Wednesday and urged them to implement the recommendations of the Royal Committee to Modernise the Political System.
The recommendations include a new election law that allows some candidates to run for parliament across districts, if they belong to political parties.
The 130-member legislature mostly has ceremonial powers. It is dominated by tribes who benefit from the current electoral system.
King Abdullah, who has reigned since 1999, appoints and dismisses governments, commands the military and controls foreign policy.
Government spokesman Faisal Al Shboul told state television on Wednesday that the cabinet had submitted a draft election law to parliament, in line with the committee’s recommendations.
The law, he said, would bring Jordan into “a new legislative and executive era”.
Following other recommendations by the committee, a draft of proposed constitutional changes expected to be submitted to parliament commits the state to protect women “from all forms of violence and discrimination”.
The draft was published on Wednesday by Ammon News.
The changes would also prevent parliamentarians from holding ministerial positions or having contracts with the state, and lower the minimum age to run for parliament to 25 from 30.
But the proposed amendments make it harder for parliament to convene a vote of confidence in the government, requiring a motion for a vote to be approved by 25 per cent of members, instead of the current 7 per cent.
A new National Security Council is planned, which would be headed by the king, under the new proposals.
ICC Intercontinental Cup
UAE squad Rohan Mustafa (captain), Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Saqlain Haider, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Naveed, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Boota, Amir Hayat, Ashfaq Ahmed
Fixtures Nov 29-Dec 2
UAE v Afghanistan, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Hong Kong v Papua New Guinea, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Ireland v Scotland, Dubai International Stadium
Namibia v Netherlands, ICC Academy, Dubai
THE DETAILS
Director: Milan Jhaveri
Producer: Emmay Entertainment and T-Series
Cast: John Abraham, Manoj Bajpayee
Rating: 2/5
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company
The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.
He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.
“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.
“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.
HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon.
With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.
Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
