Jordan protests: what are they about?
King replaces prime minister in bid to diffuse anti-austerity demonstrations

The King of Jordan has sought to diffuse growing unrest in the country by replacing his prime minister following days of anti-austerity protests.
King Abdullah has asked former World Bank economist Omar al-Razzaz to form a new government after Hani Mulki resigned as prime minister following the country’s biggest demonstrations in years.
In Jordan, “the monarch has extensive powers and can appoint governments and approve legislation”, says the BBC.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What caused the protests?
Planned tax hikes and the abolition of bread subsidies have brought thousands of people out onto the streets over the past week, in a rare show of public defiance in a country that has remained relatively stable through years of regional turmoil.
Security forces have detained 60 people for breaking the law during the protests and 42 security force members had been injured, but police say protests remained under control.
Why are taxes rising?
Reuters says Jordan’s economy has “struggled to grow in the past few years in the face of chronic deficits, as private foreign capital and aid flows have declined”.
The government claims it needs more funds for public services but opponents says the tough IMF-imposed fiscal consolidation plan has worsened the plight of poorer Jordanians and squeezed the middle class.
What happens next?
A general strike has been called for Wednesday, but in a sign the tax hikes could be shelved, the Petra news agency said lawmakers were planning to ask the king’s permission to hold an exceptional session in which a majority were expected to call on the changes be withdrawn.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Can the world stop Israel from starving Gaza?
Today's Big Question Total blockade on food and aid enters its third month, and Israel is accused of 'weaponising starvation'
-
The timely revival of watchmaking
Under The Radar Artisan horology is enjoying a surprising resurgence
-
Alcatraz: America's most infamous prison
The Explainer Donald Trump wants to re-open notorious 'escape-proof' jail for 'most ruthless and violent prisoners' in the US
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations
-
'Like a sound from hell': Serbia and sonic weapons
The Explainer Half a million people sign petition alleging Serbian police used an illegal 'sound cannon' to disrupt anti-government protests
-
The arrest of the Philippines' former president leaves the country's drug war in disarray
In the Spotlight Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC earlier this month
-
Ukrainian election: who could replace Zelenskyy?
The Explainer Donald Trump's 'dictator' jibe raises pressure on Ukraine to the polls while the country is under martial law
-
Why Serbian protesters set off smoke bombs in parliament
THE EXPLAINER Ongoing anti-corruption protests erupted into full view this week as Serbian protesters threw the country's legislature into chaos
-
Who is the Hat Man? 'Shadow people' and sleep paralysis
In Depth 'Sleep demons' have plagued our dreams throughout the centuries, but the explanation could be medical