Jordan demonstrators slam new PM, insist on reform

Jordanian demonstrators on Friday criticised premier-designate Fayez Tarawneh, a day after he replaced Awan Khasawneh, accused by King Abdullah II of delaying much-needed reform.

"The people want to change policies, not only governments," read a banner among the more than 1,000 protesters, including opposition Islamists, other political parties and youths, who marched in central Amman.

"Tarawneh, if the people did not elect you, you will not be able to take decisions," they chanted, criticising him for taking part in Jordanian-Israeli negotiations that led to the signing of a peace treaty in 1994.

On Thursday, the king accepted the resignation of Khasawneh, six months after forming a government mandated to bring in change.

"In Jordan, fast food delivery takes up to 45 minutes, but changing a prime minister takes only 30 minutes," read a banner.

Salem Falahat, the former leader of Jordan's powerful Muslim Brotherhood, said the country faces a "governing crisis."

"The nation is in danger. Jordanians have realised that governments, MPs and the regime do not care about the country and do not belong to it," Falahat, a top Brotherhood dove, told the demonstrators.

"The corrupt are powerful and protected, seeking to keep Jordan in this mess. We need somebody who gets the people's message and never lies to Jordanians."

Khasawneh, 62, an International Court of Justice judge, formed his cabinet last October to become the third premier of 2011.

His successor, Tarawneh, was prime minister and royal court chief in the late 1990s. He is expected to form a government next week, facing a tough challenge to address pressing popular demands for change.

Jordan has seen relatively small but persistent Arab Spring-inspired demonstrations almost every week since January 2011, demanding sweeping reforms and a tougher fight against corruption.

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