AMMAN, JORDAN – Jordan’s cabinet reshuffle is a mandate for the government to work within the Kingdom’s three modernization tracks, launched at the beginning of the country’s bicentennial, Minister of Government Communications Faisal Shboul said.
They include political modernization, economic modernization vision and the public sector modernization map, he said.
Speaking at Jordan Television’s ’60 Minutes’ program on Friday, Shboul said this mandate proceeded with the first phase of the 10-year comprehensive modernization scheme within the three tracks, according to programs and projects established and linked to timeframes.
Shboul, who is also the government’s official spokesperson, stressed that there are new tasks for the government following the last reshuffle, primarily focused in streamlining performance, improving public service, attracting investment, economic development and providing a possible partisan political environment.
The reshuffle axed the ministerial team from 31 ministers to 27, as three cabinet members took over six ministries according to the shakeup, he said.
This step, he said, is a ‘starting’ point for implementing the aspect related to integrating ministries under the public sector modernization roadmap.
He also referred to the entry of three women in the cabinet, bringing the total number to five, which reflects the belief in women’s role and the importance of their presence based on competence, capability and excellence.
Shboul noted the legislative aspect of the political modernization path was accomplished after approving the elections and political parties laws and the related constitutional amendments.
The government, he said, is tasked with creating an “attractive” political and partisan environment ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.