All Jordanian Ministers Resign Ahead of Government Reshuffle

Jordanian Prime Minister Omar Razzaz is expected to maintain his role, and some of the ministers who resigned are slated to reclaim their positions in the next round of nominations.

A statement released by the Jordanian government says that the changes in regime are essential for Jordan to tackle on the challenges it faces in the coming period.

Last week, the Jordanian royal fired several officials in sensitive and senior positions. This move follows reports by media outlets in the Gulf that say a plot has been revealed to topple the Jordanian regime. Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas cited sources it said were reliable in a recent report that alleged that several influential, senior individuals in Jordan acted to send people to protest on the streets in order to reflect a lack of faith in Razzaz’s government.

One of the major changes Abdullah made was the replacement of the director of the General Intelligence Department, General Adnan al-Jundi, who held one of the most influential positions in the country. The palace issued a statement saying the king had decided to retire Jundi and to replace him with General Ahmed Husni, who has served in several senior intelligence posts.

The king said his move was prompted by complaints of shortcomings in running the intelligence system and a finding that some people were using their status and positions to advance personal interests at the expense of those of the kingdom. Several days before Jundi was ousted, the king replaced several officials in his bureau, including the head of policy and information.

Jordanian media reported that changes had also been made in the defense establishment and police force and that new commanders have been appointed in some regions. Jordanian officials said they expect additional changes to take place at the palace and in defense-related positions.

In addition, the officials, who are also grappling with poor economic conditions, are worried about the repercussions of the Middle East peace proposal that the Trump administration is gearing up to present. The concern is that the plan could destabilize the kingdom and undermine its relations with the Palestinian Authority, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States and other Arab countries