Jordanian king appoints Omar al-Razzaz to premiership

By Leith Juneidi

AMMAN (AA) - Jordanian King Abdullah II on Tuesday officially appointed Omar al-Razzaz to the premiership, replacing Hani al-Mulki, according to a statement issued by Jordan’s Royal Court.

The king also tasked al-Razzaz with drawing up a new government.

On Monday, al-Mulki tendered his resignation following several days of street demonstrations against a controversial income tax bill.

Despite his resignation, however, Jordanians continued to demonstrate against the unpopular bill into Monday evening.

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

The government recently raised subsidized electricity prices for the fifth time this year, leading to further popular discontent.

It also announced an increase in subsidized fuel prices before reversing the move following a public outcry.