[Ennahar] King Abdullah II of Jordan has sacked his prime minister Tuesday to calm the street who is demanding his departure, but the powerful Islamist opposition immediately criticized the choice of his successor and promised further demonstrations, keeping Egypt and Tunisia in head.This reshuffle comes as the Arab world is shaken by a wave of claims following the fall of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali under pressure from the street in mid-January in Tunisia and the massive protests that shook Egypt since last week.
The opposition Islamist and leftist organized several demonstrations in recent weeks to protest against high prices and demand reforms. The slogans have often targeted the Prime Minister Samir Rifai, slammed for his economic policy, despite a series of social measures.
On Tuesday, the royal palace announced the sacking of Mr Rifai, replaced by Maarouf Bakhit, 64, who has been prime minister (2005-2007).
In his letter of appointment issued by the palace, the king has appointed Mr. Bakhit "to take swift and clear action to carry out real political reforms (...) supporting our action in favor of democracy."
The Islamic Action Front (IAF), the main opposition party, immediately criticized the king's choice, saying that Mr Bakhit was "not a reformer."
"It seems that the train of reform is not yet running. We are against this prime minister", told AFP the general secretary of the FAI, Hamzeh Mansour, ensuring that the protests would continue as "the reasons for these events (were) still valid.