Jordan’s PM Resigns Following Islamist Gains in Parliamentary Elections

Jordan’s Prime Minister, Bisher Khasawneh, submitted his resignation on Sunday, shortly after parliamentary elections that saw gains for the Islamist opposition. US-educated Jaafar Hassan, currently head of King Abdullah’s office and a former planning minister, is expected to replace Khasawneh, according to officials speaking anonymously to Reuters.

Hassan will manage the economic challenges heightened by the ongoing Gaza war, which has impacted investment and tourism in Jordan. The outgoing prime minister had pushed for reforms to boost the kingdom’s slow economic growth, hampered by regional conflicts and the pandemic.

The recent parliamentary elections resulted in significant gains for the Muslim Brotherhood and other groups aligned with Hamas, reflecting widespread discontent over Israel’s war in Gaza. Despite the opposition’s success, the 138-member parliament remains predominantly pro-government. However, the increased presence of Islamist voices may challenge the government’s economic reforms and foreign policies, particularly those aligned with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).