PM, Senate president meet ahead of submitting 2020 state budget bill

AMMAN — Senate President Faisal Fayez on Sunday held a meeting with Prime Minister Omar Razzaz ahead of submitting the 2020 state budget bill to the Upper House.

During the meeting, attended by members of the Permanent Bureau of the Senate, presidents of parliamentary committees and a number of ministers, Fayez stressed the importance of implementing the Royal vision towards improving the Kingdom's economic conditions and citizens' living standards, which can be accomplished through economic growth and minimising poverty and unemployment, as well as creating sustainable jobs for the country's young people, he said. 

Fayez noted that the gathering falls within the framework of Senate-government consultations on drawing up the State Budget for next year in accordance with the Jordanian Constitution, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The economic challenges facing the Kingdom call for team spirit and fostering the principle of partnership, he added, urging the government to develop economic strategic plans within set timeframes, bolster private-public sector partnership and improve the Kingdom's investment environment.

Razzaz, for his part, said that "in light of the pressing economic situations, the 2020 State Budget will not be easy", calling on all involved parties to take part in diagnosing the situation and recommending solutions.

Commenting on the expenditures, the premier said that salary structure will be reconsidered and incentives will be tied to performance, highlighting the importance of considering administrative flabbiness.

Razzaz said that this consultation will result in a number of decisions and measures, adding that under His Majesty King Abdullah's directives, the government will hold weekly meetings with the legislative authority to maintain "real partnership" in the best interests of the Kingdom.