The Jordanian government's mandate to push forward with unpopular austerity measures has only been strengthened after it survived a parliamentary vote of no confidence, analysts say.
By comparison, however, MPs have been left looking weak and ineffective following Sunday's ballot — something that is sure to only further lower its public approval ratings.
The result of the no-confidence vote, which was called by an Islamist-led bloc, "means that parliament has renewed its confidence in the government to move ahead with its economic policies”, said Zaid Nawaiseh, an independent political analyst based in Amman.
"The government has tools to thwart any effort by parliament that would interfere in its decisions. And people’s anger towards parliament is even greater than their anger towards the government.”
Parliament is "unpopular and its members are elected individually and not based on political party representation. They are interested in serving their personal interests", he added, referring to the legislature's domination by businessmen and tribesmen — the product of an election law that discourages the creation of political parties.
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Jordanians angered by removal of subsidies that will double the price of bread
Jordan’s austerity drive risks fuelling resentment
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The no confidence vote followed small and scattered protests in several cities across the country as Jordanians struggle with the lifting of bread subsidies and an increase in taxes on hundreds of everyday services and goods, including internet connection, electricity, soft drinks and stationary.
But despite public resentment of the government in the face of such austerity measures, 67 members of the 130-member lower house parliament voted in favour of granting confidence. Forty-nine withheld, four abstained and nine were absent.
Fares Braizat, chairman of the Amman-based NAMA Strategic Intelligence Solutions, said the vote would do nothing to improve public support for either the government or parliament.
“The vote comes as the government and parliament’s popularity is at rock bottom based on public opinion polls,” he said. “It does not mean it is a positive move since parliament remains weak and ineffective. Nothing is going to change.”
Parliamentary no confidence votes are not uncommon in Jordan, where they are enshrined in the constitution.
After surviving Sunday's ballot, Prime Minister Hani Al Mulki said his government would continue to implement cost-cutting measures.
"It is our duty to protect the country and citizens," he told parliament. "We are not looking for popularity … we will move ahead in the right direction."
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
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High profile Al Shabab attacks
- 2010: A restaurant attack in Kampala Uganda kills 74 people watching a Fifa World Cup final football match.
- 2013: The Westgate shopping mall attack, 62 civilians, five Kenyan soldiers and four gunmen are killed.
- 2014: A series of bombings and shootings across Kenya sees scores of civilians killed.
- 2015: Four gunmen attack Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya and take over 700 students hostage, killing those who identified as Christian; 148 die and 79 more are injured.
- 2016: An attack on a Kenyan military base in El Adde Somalia kills 180 soldiers.
- 2017: A suicide truck bombing outside the Safari Hotel in Mogadishu kills 587 people and destroys several city blocks, making it the deadliest attack by the group and the worst in Somalia’s history.
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If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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The Land between Two Rivers: Writing in an Age of Refugees
Tom Sleigh, Graywolf Press
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
