Senators reject deputies’ amendments to retirement law

AMMAN — The Senate on Thursday returned the draft civil retirement law to the Lower House after introducing amendments on the retirement of senators, deputies and ministers.

Under the changes endorsed by the senators, lawmakers’ pensions are to be based on the actual duration they spend as members of Parliament.

In the Lower House’s version, legislators’ pensions cover a four-year term regardless of the duration of their service.

Senators also rejected deputies’ amendments that grant retired lawmakers the same basic pension as ministers, arguing that the financial restrictions on ministers are not imposed on MPs.

Members of Parliament are allowed to maintain their private businesses while in service, except for contracts with the public sector, unlike ministers who are not allowed to do business while in office.

Also during Thursday’s session, the Senate endorsed the law on the Jordanian-Canadian free trade agreement, the Lower House amendments to Penal Code and the army law.