Jordan’s King Appoints New Prime Minister After Parliamentary Elections

Jordan’s King Abdullah II has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh following last week’s parliamentary elections. Al-Khasawneh, a seasoned diplomat who had been in office since October 2020, resigned in accordance with the constitutional norm after legislative elections. Jafar Hassan, a technocrat and former planning minister who was serving as the king’s head of office, has been appointed as the new prime minister.

Parliamentary System and Election Outcome

Jordan’s Parliament is bicameral, with members of the House of Representatives elected every four years, while the king appoints all members of the Senate. In the recent elections, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, secured 31 of the 138 seats, marking their largest representation since 1989.

Challenges Facing Jordan

The elections occurred amidst public frustration over Jordan’s stance on Israel’s war on Gaza. While Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, its recent balancing act of maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel, despite widespread public dissatisfaction, has sparked internal tensions. The war in Gaza has also negatively impacted Jordan’s tourism sector, which contributes significantly to its economy. Additionally, Jordan continues to rely heavily on foreign aid from the United States and the International Monetary Fund.