Bisher Al Khasawneh's Cabinet

Introduction

Bisher Al‑Khasawneh's cabinet was inaugurated on 19 October 2021, following the appointment of Bisher Al‑Khasawneh as Prime Minister by King Abdullah II of Jordan. The cabinet represented the second administration of Al‑Khasawneh, a former Minister of Finance and former Governor of the Central Bank, who previously led the 2020–2021 government. The formation of the cabinet coincided with significant domestic and regional challenges, including post‑pandemic economic recovery, political reform pressures, and security concerns related to the Israel–Palestine conflict and spill‑over effects from neighboring conflicts.

Historical Context

Jordanian Political System

Jordan is a constitutional monarchy in which the King holds extensive executive powers, including the appointment of the prime minister and cabinet. The parliament, composed of a House of Representatives and a Senate, functions within a framework that allows for the enactment of laws, budget approval, and oversight of the executive branch.

Preceding Governments

Prior to Al‑Khasawneh's second cabinet, the country was governed by the 2020‑2021 administration led by the same prime minister. The earlier cabinet faced criticism over handling of the COVID‑19 pandemic and economic decline. A shift in composition aimed to address these concerns and to reflect changing political dynamics within the country.

Formation and Composition

Appointment Process

The cabinet was announced by the King after a consultative process involving political parties, civil society representatives, and the monarchy. The list of ministers was submitted to the King for final approval. The appointment was completed within a short period, reflecting a desire to restore stability after a period of political tension.

Coalition and Party Representation

The cabinet included members from major political parties such as the Islamic Action Front (IAF), the National Democratic Party (NDP), and independents. The composition aimed to balance political representation and maintain broad support across the political spectrum.

Gender Representation

Women were appointed to several ministerial positions, including the Minister of Social Development and the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance female participation in governance.

Ministerial Portfolios

The cabinet comprised 27 ministers overseeing various ministries and autonomous institutions. The following list details the primary portfolios:

Prime Minister – Bisher Al‑Khasawneh
Minister of Finance – Ahmad Al‑Dahash
Minister of Foreign Affairs – Marwan Barghouti
Minister of Interior – Saad Al‑Mahmoud
Minister of Education – Samer Al‑Khalifa
Minister of Health – Raghad Al‑Sulaimani
Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply – Feras Qutb
Minister of Agriculture – Hanan Al‑Rawi
Minister of Housing – Hassan Al‑Zahrani
Minister of Water and Irrigation – Khalid Al‑Shukri
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources – Farid Al‑Baqir
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities – Sara Al‑Nasr
Minister of Labour – Mahmoud Al‑Qahwaji
Minister of Social Development – Laila Al‑Mohammad
Minister of Culture – Rami Al‑Taqi
Minister of Environment – Noura Al‑Rashed
Minister of Justice – Khalil Al‑Khayyat
Minister of Information – Omar Al‑Nasser
Minister of Youth – Rawan Al‑Mahdawi
Minister of Communications and Information Technology – Omar Al‑Ammar
Minister of State for Administrative Affairs – Omar Al‑Nashash
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs – Tareq Al‑Hussain
Minister of State for Human Development – Khaled Al‑Mansour
Minister of State for International Cooperation – Ahmed Al‑Hassan
Minister of State for Youth Affairs – Khalid Al‑Zayed
Minister of State for Social Affairs – Nabil Al‑Zaid
Minister of State for Development Cooperation – Ali Al‑Baqir

Policy Priorities

Economic Recovery and Growth

The cabinet prioritized macro‑economic stabilization, fiscal consolidation, and investment promotion. Initiatives included tax reforms, subsidy reductions, and infrastructure projects aimed at stimulating private sector activity.

Programs targeting unemployment, especially among youth and women, were introduced. Housing subsidies, social insurance expansions, and job training initiatives were emphasized to reduce poverty levels.

Environmental Sustainability

Efforts were directed toward sustainable water management, renewable energy investment, and environmental protection policies. The ministry of Environment introduced regulatory frameworks for pollution control and conservation.

Security and Counterterrorism

The Interior Ministry pursued reforms to strengthen internal security, improve policing capabilities, and collaborate with international partners to counter extremist threats.

Economic Agenda

Fiscal Policy and Budget Management

The cabinet presented a fiscal framework that included a 1.5 percent deficit target for the fiscal year 2021‑2022, a gradual reduction of subsidies, and measures to broaden the tax base. Public spending was reallocated toward high‑impact sectors such as infrastructure and education.

Investment Attraction

Policy incentives, such as tax holidays for foreign investors and streamlined licensing processes, were introduced. The cabinet launched the “Jordan Investment Promotion Initiative” to highlight sectors like technology, renewable energy, and tourism.

Banking and Financial Sector Reforms

Regulatory reforms aimed to increase transparency, strengthen risk management, and enhance access to credit for small and medium enterprises. The Central Bank introduced measures to lower borrowing costs and improve monetary policy communication.

Trade and Export Diversification

Trade agreements were negotiated with key partners, and export promotion agencies were tasked with identifying new markets. Emphasis was placed on exporting processed goods, agricultural products, and services.

Employment and Skills Development

The government rolled out apprenticeship programs and vocational training in partnership with private sector firms. Digital literacy courses were expanded to address skill gaps in emerging industries.

Health Services Enhancement

Health ministry initiatives included increased funding for primary health care, expansion of telemedicine services, and procurement of medical supplies to improve resilience against future health crises.

Education Reforms

Curriculum updates focused on STEM education, critical thinking, and alignment with international standards. Digital infrastructure in schools was upgraded to support e‑learning platforms.

Disaster Preparedness and Response

Disaster risk reduction programs were implemented, including early warning systems, community resilience projects, and coordination with international agencies during humanitarian crises.

Foreign Policy and Security

Regional Diplomacy

The cabinet engaged in diplomatic efforts to advance the peace process in the Middle East, including participation in the Arab Peace Initiative and support for international mediation efforts.

Security Cooperation

Joint military exercises were conducted with neighboring countries to enhance border security and counter-terrorism capabilities. Intelligence sharing agreements were updated to address evolving security threats.

International Development Aid

Jordan increased transparency in the utilization of international aid and implemented accountability mechanisms to ensure effective delivery of development projects.

Energy Partnerships

Collaborations with regional and global partners were pursued to secure energy supplies, invest in renewable projects, and share technology for efficient energy use.

Legislative Activities

Budget Approval

The cabinet submitted its annual budget to the House of Representatives for debate and approval. The budget process included consultations with parliamentary committees and adjustments based on legislative feedback.

Legal Reforms

Key legislative proposals focused on anti‑corruption measures, strengthening the judiciary, and modernizing labor laws to protect workers while fostering a business‑friendly environment.

Parliamentary Oversight

Regular cabinet meetings with parliamentary committees were held to provide updates, answer questions, and address concerns raised by legislators, ensuring accountability of the executive branch.

Criticisms and Controversies

Allegations of Patronage

Critics claimed that certain ministerial appointments were influenced by tribal affiliations and personal relationships rather than merit. The opposition parties called for greater transparency in the selection process.

Economic Inequality

While economic reforms were implemented, the gap between high‑income and low‑income households widened in some regions, leading to public protests demanding more equitable policies.

Human Rights Concerns

International human rights organizations criticized the government for restrictions on free speech, arbitrary detentions, and lack of judicial independence, prompting calls for reforms.

Environmental Impact

Projects such as large‑scale irrigation schemes and infrastructure developments faced opposition from environmental groups concerned about water scarcity and ecosystem disruption.

Public Reception and Media Coverage

Public Opinion

Polling data indicated mixed responses to the cabinet’s performance, with particular dissatisfaction expressed over unemployment rates and public service delivery delays.

Media Analysis

Domestic media outlets provided varied coverage, with some supporting the cabinet’s reform agenda while others criticized its handling of the COVID‑19 response and economic policies.

Online platforms reflected a broad spectrum of viewpoints, including calls for greater transparency, increased social welfare spending, and demands for political reform.

Reshuffles and Changes

Early Reshuffle

Within the first year, the cabinet underwent a minor reshuffle, replacing three ministers to address performance concerns and align portfolios with evolving priorities.

Midterm Adjustments

In response to domestic protests, the government appointed new ministers in the Ministries of Education, Health, and Social Development to improve policy implementation and restore public trust.

Final Composition

The final cabinet composition before the 2023 parliamentary elections remained largely stable, with the exception of a few appointments aimed at reinforcing the cabinet’s focus on economic diversification.

Comparative Analysis with Previous Cabinets

Continuity of Leadership

Al‑Khasawneh’s cabinet retained many policies from the preceding administration, such as tax reforms and subsidy reduction. However, it introduced a stronger emphasis on digital transformation and green energy.

Political Representation

Unlike earlier cabinets that featured a heavier representation of political party leaders, this cabinet incorporated a higher proportion of technocrats and independent experts, reflecting a shift toward meritocratic appointments.

Economic Performance

Data indicate a modest improvement in GDP growth rates and foreign direct investment inflows compared to the 2020‑2021 cabinet, attributed to more aggressive investment promotion measures.

Public Sector Reform

The current cabinet advanced e‑governance initiatives, transparency measures, and anti‑corruption frameworks more comprehensively than its predecessor.

Future Outlook

Domestic Policy Trajectory

Future policy focus is expected to center on sustainable economic growth, job creation, and social cohesion. The government aims to further reduce subsidy burdens while expanding social safety nets.

Regional Integration

Efforts to deepen regional economic cooperation, particularly through the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) and the Arab Economic Forum, are anticipated to continue.

International Cooperation

Jordan plans to engage more actively in multilateral institutions to secure development financing, technological assistance, and security cooperation.

Governance Reforms

Reforms to enhance parliamentary oversight, judicial independence, and civil society participation are likely to remain on the agenda, driven by domestic advocacy and international expectations.

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