AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdullah has named Jafar Hassan, a Harvard-educated technocrat, as the new prime minister. This decision comes after the resignation of Bisher Khasawneh, who stepped down on Sunday following recent parliamentary elections.
Jafar Hassan, who is currently the head of King Abdullah’s office and a former planning minister, will replace Khasawneh. Khasawneh will continue in a caretaker role until a new government is formed. Hassan will face significant challenges, including addressing the economic impact of the Gaza war, which has hurt investment and tourism in Jordan.
Hassan’s appointment follows an election where the Islamist opposition gained significant ground, winning 31 seats in the 138-member parliament. This makes them the largest political group in parliament. The increased influence of the Islamists, who are critical of Israel and supportive of Hamas, could affect Jordan’s policies and its relations with the West.
Hassan will need to manage the country’s economic issues, including high public debt and slow growth, while navigating the political landscape shaped by the recent election results. King Abdullah retains considerable power, including the ability to appoint and remove governments, ensuring that he has substantial control over Jordan’s political future.
