House discussions of gov't action plan begin today ahead of vote of confidence

By Raed Omari

AMMAN - Lawmakers will begin deliberations today over the Cabinet’s action plan built on the Speech from the Throne and on the basis which the government has requested a vote of confidence.

Last week, Prime Minister Samir Rifai presented lawmakers with a program his government drew up to translate into action the guidelines of the speech, delivered by His Majesty King Abdullah last month, and requested House confidence accordingly.

During last week’s House meeting, Rifai indicated that his government would move ahead with well-defined plans and a systematic approach, coupled with fixed time frames.

He pledged that effective action and achievement will mark the government’s work for the coming stages, in genuine partnership with the legislative authority.

The premier stated that increasing government competence, enhancing accountability, measuring progress, increasing public participation in the decision-making process, and boosting the business and investment environment will be the main pillars upon which the government’s pursuit of political, economic and social reform rests.

Boosting the role of the Kingdom’s political parties, improving the work of media, enhancing dialogue and rejection of violence were also highlighted by Rifai.

“The government approaches your esteemed Chamber with a request for confidence, based on the Speech from the Throne and its detailed action plan, in accordance with the Constitution,” the premier told lawmakers.

Referring to today’s discussion as a constitutional right, MP Mahmoud Kharabsheh (Balqa, First District) said the government’s plans to address budget deficit, public debt, unemployment and poverty will be the main items for discussion under the Dome.

He added that deputies’ deliberations will also focus on the Cabinet’s agenda to “mend fences” between the legislative and executive authorities, adding that “establishing a partnership with the government based on cooperation and coordination will be of prime significance for the lawmakers.

The King’s speech addressed not only the government but all authorities, and it offered guidelines that should be followed to serve national interests and achieve welfare for the nation, Kharabsheh said, saying the government’s action plan “could have been more detailed”.

MP Mamdouh Abbadi (Amman, Third District), told The Jordan Times that lawmakers’ discussions should take into consideration that the government did not present a policy statement but an action plan to implement the King’s directives set in the speech.

Abbadi expected the government’s plans to achieve political and economic reform to be the hottest issues to be tackled by MPs as the House contemplates a vote of confidence.

19 December 2010

Source: The Jordan Times.
Link: http://jordantimes.com/?news=32750.