AMN
Jordan’s Prime Minister Hani Mulki has resigned following widespread protests against plans to raise income tax. King Abdullah accepted Mulki’s resignation on Monday.
Media reports say the King has asked Omar al-Razzaz, the education minister, to form a new government as prime minister.
Mulki’s government sparked protests with a reform plan, backed by the International Monetary Fund, which included a steep tax hike.
Thousands of protestors have taken to the streets in the capital Amman since last week, clashing with security forces.
It is unclear whether Mulki’s resignation will end demonstrations. Labor unions have vowed to continue protesting until the authorities give up the planned tax hike.
Jordan’s economy has been hit hard by regional insecurity in recent years, in particular due to conflicts in neighboring Syria and Iraq. Jordan has accepted nearly 700,000 refugees from Syria.