Jordan’s King Abdullah tasked former World Bank economist Omar al-Razzaz on Tuesday with forming a new government and called for broad talks on a planned income tax law that has provoked the country’s biggest protests in years.
He appointed Mr. Razzaz after accepting Hani Mulki’s resignation as Prime Minister, attempting to defuse public anger over IMF-driven reforms.
The King said the new Cabinet should review the tax system and immediately start a dialogue over the draft income tax law, which protesters have staunchly opposed. He said political parties, unions and civil society groups must take part in the talks. Mr. Razzaz was Education Minister in the outgoing government.
