Jordan’s king fires cabinet

AMMAN, Jordan – Jordan’s King Abdullah II, bowing to public pressure, fired his government on Tuesday and tasked a new prime minister with quickly boosting economic opportunities and giving Jordanians a greater say in politics.

The country’s powerful Muslim opposition, which had demanded the dismissal of Prime Minister Samir Rifai in several nationwide protests inspired by those in Tunisia and Egypt, said the changes didn’t go far enough.

Rifai, 45, who has been widely blamed for a rise in fuel and food prices and slow-moving political reforms, tendered his resignation early Tuesday.

Abdullah named Marouf al-Bakhit, 63, as Rifai’s replacement. Al-Bakhit, an ex-general who supports strong ties with the U.S. and Jordan’s peace treaty with Israel, previously served as prime minister from 2005-2007.

Abdullah ordered al-Bakhit to “undertake quick and tangible steps for real political reforms, which reflect our vision for comprehensive modernization and development in Jordan.”

Abdullah demanded an “immediate revision of laws governing politics and public freedoms,” including legislation governing political parties, public meetings and elections.

Jordan’s most powerful opposition group, the Muslim Brotherhood, dismissed the changes as cosmetic.

Hamza Mansour, leader of the Islamic Action Front, the Brotherhood’s political arm, repeated his call for constitutional amendments to curb the king’s power in naming prime ministers, arguing that the post should go to the elected leader of the parliamentary majority.

Jordan’s constitution gives the king the exclusive powers to appoint prime ministers, dismiss parliament and rule by decree.