King Welcomes Constitutional Changes, Critics Unimpressed (Reform‪)‬

Jordan's King Abdullah II has welcomed proposed constitutional amendments, but critics rebuked the changes as insufficient, the London-based pan-Arab daily ASHARQ AL AWSAT said Aug. 15. The 42 proposed changes to the nearly 60-year-old constitution would still allow Abdullah to retain most of his absolute powers, according to a 15-page document distributed by the royal palace. Protesters have been demonstrating for seven months to press the government to expand parliament's powers. Jordanians are also demanding lower food prices, a greater say in politics, an end to government corruption and the election of a prime minister. The recommended changes do not address protesters' demands to elect a prime minister, instead keeping the appointment of the post solely with the king, the Saudi-owned newspaper said in an Ammandatelined report. But a senior government official, requesting anonymity told Reuters on Aug. 14 a separate document addressing the prime minister's appointment would be up for discussion at a later unspecified date.