January, 2002

Reshuffle in Jordan

Ahmed Mohammed Taher Hassan

The Jordanian kingdom underwent a reshuffle in October 2001 according to which the ministry of media & youth was cancelled and the ministry of culture was merged with that of administrative development, decreasing the number of ministers by two. The reshuffle mirrored a pressing need to boost economic reform and confront the political, local, regional and international challenges Jordan is currently facing. The reshuffle was condemned by several opposing political powers in Jordan, which considered it unfeasible and of no use to the political agenda and the policies of the government.

The cancellation of the ministry of media means to consolidate the financial and administrative independence of the media institutions with the aim of attaining a competitive Jordanian media mission that communicates a modern new philosophy. This amendment necessitates reviewing publishing laws and other media laws along with setting new legislation needed to protect the press and also to protect citizens and public authorities against press infringements.

The new government assumes power at a crucial time, with Jordan facing hard political, economic and social conditions that impose several challenges. Jordan is suffering from high rates of unemployment, a serious budget deficit and corruption in the governmental apparatus and public sector institutions. Several obstacles are still impeding democratic transformation and the peaceful handling of authority in addition to cultural and social problems with serious consequences. The concentrated efforts of all political powers are the only way for Jordan to face these challenges and achieve a real breakthrough on the course of political and economic reform.