AMMAN — MPs on Thursday, for the third consecutive day, continued their deliberations over the government’s policy statement, which Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh presented to Parliament on Sunday.

 

MP Taleb Sarairah said that it is not possible to hold the government accountable given that its statement lacked time-based executive programmes and performance indicators, criticising the absence of details on investments that are to be undertaken under the envisioned investment sovereign fund the government plans to establish, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

Pointing out to the COVID-19 pandemic, Deputy Yahya Obeidat said that Jordan, and the world in general, is facing exceptional health circumstances that affected all aspects of life, which requires supporting the government in its precautionary measures and, at the same time, working on alleviating the economic and psychological effects of the crisis.

 

MP Ali Tarawneh asked the government to allocate JD5,000 for each beneficiary family from the National Aid Fund to help households establish small income-generating projects, instead of waiting for cash assistance at the end of every month.

 

MP Bassam Fayez said that the drop in growth rates and the general deterioration of economic conditions show that the financial administration of the country needs to be “rebuilt not reformed”, noting that previous governments’ financial decisions have further exacerbated the situation.

 

Other MPs’ demands focused on fighting corruption and favouritism, enhancing cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities, supporting military retirees, and developing the health, economic, educational and transportation sectors, among other issues.

 

Following Thursday’s deliberations, a total of 41 lawmakers have taken the podium prior to resuming discussions over the government’s policy statement on Sunday.