King urges protection of low-income citizens

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday stressed that any national financial reform efforts should be home-grown and should work to protect the middle class and the low-income segments of society.

During a meeting with Senate President Faisal Fayez and members of the Senate's permanent office and committees at Al Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty called for a comprehensive economic reform programme that stimulates growth and protects vulnerable segments of society, according to a Royal Court statement.

At the meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the King said Jordanians should not continue to shoulder the burdens of exemptions and subsidies offered to non-Jordanians residing in the Kingdom, estimated to number 4 million people.

"Jordanian citizens have borne a lot of burdens; we cannot continue to make them shoulder the costs of hosting refugees,” the King said. “It is not easy for a country to pay the equivalent of a quarter of its state budget to support refugees." 

Noting that the Jordanian people have shown a lot of patience, he noted that there are challenges that still need to be surmounted in the coming stage so as to work for a better future.

His Majesty affirmed that there will be no leniency in dealing with tax evasion, adding that the government will present a new Tax Law that imposes strict penalties on tax evaders, instead of increasing burdens on ordinary citizens.

Tax evasion, he continued, is a main issue that should be tackled clearly and efficiently through introducing better tax collection mechanisms and holding evaders accountable in a firm manner.

The King voiced hope that next year would witness recovery from the repercussions of regional developments, including the impact of the Syrian refugee crisis and the closure of export markets. He said that can be achieved through introducing an economic stimulus plan as well as financial reform measures.

In this regard, he highlighted the need for the government to work on an action plan to implement the Economic Growth Plan, adding that cooperation between the government and Parliament was of great importance in introducing legislation related to such a scheme.

His Majesty said that he directed the government to rationalise expenditures and to work on increasing the efficiency of public agencies, as well as to ensure consistency in economic policies and legislation and to work for improving the investment climate.

The King commended the Senate’s efforts during the past extraordinary session, which witnessed the endorsement of legislation related to the judiciary previously recommended by the Royal Committee for Developing of Judiciary and Enhacing the Rule of Law.

He noted that the recent governorates and municipal councils’ elections were an opportunity to identify development priorities in the governorates.

In this regard, the King called for supporting agricultural programmes in the governorates and to bank in on opportunities that various parts of the Kingdom can offer to investors in order to generate more job opportunities. 

He also warned of the spread of rumours and fake news.  

The King also outlined developments related to the Middle East peace process, expressing hope that US President Donald Trump’s commitment to find a solution to the Palestinian problem would be translated into a tangible plan soon.

He also highlighted that Jordan and Iraq are working to restore trade ties to the normal levels between the two countries following the reopening of the Turaibil border crossing.

For his part, Senate President Faisal Fayez stressed Jordan’s ability to overcome challenges, voicing appreciation of His Majesty’s efforts at the domestic and international levels. He also paid tribute to Crown Prince Hussein’s efforts in supporting endeavours aiming to empower the youth and to express their concerns.

The Senate permanent office and committee members stressed the importance of making public information available for citizens to avoid the spread of rumours and false news.