Jordan Times
Wednesday, July 19, 2005
PM seeks to shore up support on sidelines of
policy debate
By Mahmoud Al Abed
AMMAN — Prime Minister Adnan Badran is currently holding discussions with
parliamentary blocs on the sidelines of the ongoing Lower House debate into the
government's policy statement.
A government official told reporters that the premier, who presented the
statement on Thursday, “did not discuss the issue of confidence with blocs'
members.
He said discussions focussed purely on the government's programmes.
The official confirmed that Badran met late Monday with the Islamic Action Front
(IAF) and Watan (homeland) blocs while late Tuesday he was scheduled to hold
discussions with the Shaab (people) Bloc.
The official praised the democratic atmosphere surrounding the debates, which
have witnessed harsh attacks on Badran and his government for what several MPs
described as the government's “lack of seriousness in the reform plans.”
The government has placed comprehensive reform at the top of its agenda in a bid
to gain the support of the 110-member House.
Bloc members yesterday criticised Badran for reneging on promises made during a
series of meetings ahead of the July 3 reshuffle.
The reshuffle was made in response to protests by 48 deputies against the makeup
of the government, especially the absence of Cabinet members from southern
governorates, and saw the exit of former Minister of Finance Bassem Awadallah.
The IAF said the premier had reneged on three major demands he had promised to
meet: The establishment of teachers' union, abolishing the State Security Court
and the establishment of a general union for university students.
IAF Deputy Musa Wahsh (Amman, Second District) told The Jordan Times that their
meeting on Monday with Badran did not cover these issues.
“The premier talked about the hike in prices [of fuel derivatives] and was
telling us that the move is inevitable,” the deputy said, adding that they also
raised with him alternatives that would, in their opinion, make up for the
budget deficit and keep prices at pre-hike levels.
Wahsh was referring to a proposal to raise the tax rate on financial companies
such as banks and insurance brokers, which was recently lowered from 35 per cent
to 25 per cent.
Badran informed them that tax reform is “in the hands of” the National Agenda
Committee, which is expected to publish its recommendations in September.
So far in the debate five deputies have declared their intention to withhold
confidence in the government: Abdul Rahim Malhas (Amman, Thirdrd District),
Mohammad Adwan (Balqa, Second District), Nayef Fayez (Central Bedouin District)
and Abed Thawabiyyeh (Amman, Seventh District).
Under the Constitution, the Lower House is entitled to submit a vote of
no-confidence in the government (the Council of Ministers or one of its
members). If the House votes by an absolute majority to withhold confidence,
then the Cabinet must resign.
Deputies can also withhold confidence from an individual minister, who must then
resign.