Amman: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan announced that the government is set to present a comprehensive executive programme aimed at implementing the ministerial statement by early January, specifying clear financial allocations and roles. This was revealed during Hassan’s response to the House of Representatives’ discussions on Wednesday, where he emphasized collaboration with lawmakers.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hassan expressed gratitude to the House of Representatives for their constructive comments and assured that the government would follow up on the feedback. He emphasized that the government would not make unattainable promises but would cooperate to achieve feasible goals. Hassan underscored the importance of real programmes and projects, stating that the ministerial statement delineated the main objectives and timeframes for economic, political, and administrative modernisation.
Hassan assured that the government would work to strengthen the system for monitoring the implementation of the prog
ramme, ensuring transparency and accountability. He also addressed queries regarding funding for major projects, such as the Aqaba Railway and the National Water Carrier, clarifying that these projects are supported by internal and external investments, government contributions, and international grants.
The Aqaba Railway project, for instance, is a joint venture with the UAE’s Etihad Rail Company and Jordanian entities, valued at JOD1.6 billion. The National Water Carrier Project, with a total investment of JOD4 billion, is being negotiated with the Meridiam-Suez coalition and other investors. Hassan highlighted that the majority of projects under the Economic Modernisation Vision focus on investment and partnerships with the private sector.
In terms of budget allocations, Hassan detailed capital expenditures of JOD4.6 billion for development and service projects over the next three years, with additional allocations for government units and foreign aid. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducin
g public debt from 90% to 80% of GDP through financial reforms.
Hassan also addressed the concerns of retired military personnel, promising support for cooperative societies and productive economic projects to enhance their income. He assured that personal status laws remain aligned with Jordanian values and are unaffected by external agreements.
The Prime Minister defended the selection of ministers based on competence rather than party affiliation, emphasizing their role in implementing economic and political modernisation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the protective role of the Cybercrime Law.
Finally, Hassan committed to personally reviewing issues raised by representatives from various governorates and promised to hold Cabinet sessions in these regions to collaborate on development visions.