In Jordan, a pro-Western monarchy, the king holds all political power. The prime minister and Cabinet collaborate with the king to develop and execute policies.
Jafar Hassan
Jordan’s King Abdullah II has appointed Jafar Hassan as the new prime minister, following the resignation of Bisher Al-Khasawneh’s government after recent parliamentary elections. Hassan, who has served as the king’s chief of staff and previously as planning minister, is tasked with forming a new government amid significant economic challenges and public discontent related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Hassan holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Geneva and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. His appointment comes at a time when the Islamic Action Front, linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, has gained substantial representation in parliament, winning 31 out of 138 seats. This shift reflects growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic issues and regional tensions.
The king has urged Hassan to mobilize efforts in support of Palestinians in Gaza and to address the kingdom’s economic struggles, which have been exacerbated by a decline in tourism and foreign investment due to the conflict. Jordan’s economy is heavily reliant on foreign aid and faces significant public debt challenges.
