Jordan’s king names new Prime Minister

King Abdullah II of Jordan appointed Maruf Bakhit as the country’s new Prime Minister, with orders to carry out “true political reforms”.

1 February 2011, 12:00am

1 min read

Following weeks of opposition protests demanding change, King Abudllah named Bakhit as Prime Minister. Bakhit is to replace former Prime Minister Samir Rifai and his government.

"Bakhit's mission is to take practical, quick and tangible steps to launch true political reforms, enhance Jordan's democratic drive and ensure safe and decent living for all Jordanians," a statement from the palace read.

The Islamist opposition in Jordan yesterday said that it had started a dialogue with the state, stating that unlike the situation in Egypt, it did not seek regime change.

Amongst other things, the Opposition demanded the resignation of the government, the amendment of the electoral law and the formation of a national salvation government headed by an elected prime minister.

Bakhit, born in 1947, has already served as prime minister from 2005 to 2007.

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Does anybody still think that these outdated kings and queens and their archaic institutions should be running a country? They should be scrapped and the people choose who is to lead the country not these archaic kings and queens.