Jordanians call for dissolving parliament amid protests

By Laith Joneidi

AMMAN

Hundreds of Jordanians demonstrated in the capital Amman on Wednesday against a controversial income tax bill, amid chants for dissolving parliament.

The protest coincided with a sit-in called for by Jordanian trade union against the bill.

Demonstrators chanted slogans for dissolving parliament and forming a national unity government.

Protests against the government’s economic policies come despite the resignation of Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki on Monday with King Abdullah appointing Education Minister Omar al-Razzaz to head up a new government.

Jordan has been rocked by protests in recent days after the government approved an amended version of a tax bill that would, if passed, subject all annual incomes of 8,000 Jordanian dinars (roughly $11,200) or more to additional taxes.

The government recently raised electricity prices for the fifth time this year, leading to further popular discontent. It also raised subsidized fuel prices by 5.5 percent before reversing the move at the request of King Abdullah.