Policy statement will set timeframe for suggested solutions — PM

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Tuesday said that the government has commenced drafting its policy statement that will be presented to the Lower House seeking its confidence.

The statement will be presented during the extraordinary session slated for July 9, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During a meeting with Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh, members of the House’s Permanent Bureau, and representatives of the chamber’s blocs, Razzaz said that the policy statement will be brief but comprehensive. 

It will include clear and time-framed programmes that will help the Parliament monitor the government’s performance, Razzaz said.

The premier stressed the government’s commitment to a new approach that is based on participation and dialogue, noting his Cabinet  has already shown openness to the opinions and points of view of the Parliament and the civil society institutions regarding the government’s policies.

This approach contributes to better identification of the challenges that people face and solutions to them, he added.

The statement will deal with urgent issues, and launch a long-term comprehensive project of revival, said Razzaz, stressing that the plan is addressing urgent issues not with “rash” responses but a mature social, economic and political blueprint.

The statement will focus on matters that concern residents, including poverty, joblessness, health, education and transport, Razzaz told the MPs.

He noted that the government would initiate a dialogue on an income tax draft law after examining alternatives to new taxes and evaluating financial and social impacts and burdens on citizens.

For his part, Tarawneh welcomed the government’s initiative to open dialogue on national issues, stressing commitment to the contents of the Royal Letter of Designation that called for a national comprehensive revival project.

The speaker said that it is not reasonable to increase taxes on people while basic services are not provided.

He called for exempting financially struggling small farmers,  from overdue interest on farming loans.

He stressed the importance of providing hospitals with equipment without delay as some of them lack dialysis    devices. 

The members of the House’s Permanent Bureau said that the statement should include ground-breaking solutions that address the economic situation, based on “real and measurable” programmes.

They stressed the importance of fighting all forms of administrative and financial corruption.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Rajai Muasher, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Musa Maaytah, and Minister of State for Media Affairs Jumana Ghunaimat attended the meeting.

In press remarks following the meeting, Razzaz said that citizens are aware of the “exceptional” circumstances that Jordan is passing through, which require an exceptional participatory approach and an understanding of this reality.

Tarawneh announced that the income tax draft law will be discussed in the coming extraordinary session, or a second one will be held for the purpose.