It took Prime Minister Omar Razzaz ten long days to form his government, no doubt because he wanted a homogeneous team of Cabinet ministers able to carry out the government's mandate in harmony as expressed in His Majesty King Abdullah's letter of designation.

 

The new Cabinet took the oath of office on the eve of Eid Al Fitr. Obviously, it is much too early to pass any judgement on the new government, as only a reasonable length of time would tell whether it is successful in implementing its solemn duties.

 

Yet, some preliminary observations are in order: A 28-member Cabinet appears much too many in the light of the King's instructions to cut down on state expenditures. The public also was looking forward to having a lean government and not a government bulging at the seams. Some Cabinet posts can be eliminated without any negative consequence to the government's mandate. The number of young ministers was also noticeably low against all expectations.

 

On the plus side, seven women were appointed in the new Cabinet, although some had no governmental experience before. This is where Razzaz broke ranks with all previous prime ministers.

 

He has acknowledged in his reply to the King's letter of designation that he will accord certain policy issues high priority, including revamping the entire taxation system in the country, giving economic growth a number one priority, conducting administrative reforms across the board and improving public services.

 

Missing in the prime minister's reply to the King's letter of designation was the reference to the much-awaited public transportation network.

 

Noteworthy was Razzaz’s reference to the country's decentralised government system, which he promised to revisit.

 

Yet, the country wishes the new government all the success possible given the many constraints it faces and the high expectations generated by its formation.