Amman: Lawmakers on Wednesday debated the draft state budget law for the fiscal year 2026 for the third day in a row in a morning session chaired by Lower House Speaker Mazen Qadi.
According to Jordan News Agency, the session was attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and members of the government team. MP Mustafa Amawi took the floor, advocating for the allocation of funds towards economic transformation, increased spending on scientific research at universities, a strategy to address public debt and repayment methods, and the development of industrial and agricultural exports and related projects. Amawi also emphasized the importance of utilizing and developing waqf (endowment) lands, supporting national agriculture, and protecting small farmers. He further highlighted the necessity of reviewing unfinished mega investment projects and supporting the Audit Bureau, the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, and the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization.
MP Hala Jarrah underscored the significance of national unity, describing it as "a red line that cannot be crossed" and emphasized that "Jordan cannot be divided." She pointed out the substantial profits made by banks, estimated at approximately JD689 million after tax last year, and called for a more robust social role by these financial institutions.
MP Ayman Abu Haniyeh stressed the need for greater investment in energy, mining, technology, and youth in the governorates, as well as in productive sectors to increase revenues and create job opportunities. He identified technology, innovation, and AI as key drivers of the future economy.
Lawmaker Ahmad Asha advocated for a focus on an entrepreneurial economy, emphasizing the exploitation of energy resources, providing young people with opportunities to invest in state-owned land, expanding agricultural areas, and enhancing food security.
MP Suleiman Kharabsheh suggested the formation of a national committee with representatives from the Ministries of Culture, Tourism, and Youth to capitalize on the national team's participation in the World Cup. He also encouraged embassies to play a role in marketing Jordan.
Other lawmakers addressed various demands from their constituencies, including services such as education and vocational education, health, human resources development, economic reform and empowerment programs, and social protection.