Jordan government faces protest

In Jordan, demonstrators have taken to the streets, demanding the government to make political reforms and take measures to improve the country’s economy.

Protesters gathered in Jordan’s northern province of Irbid and chanted anti-government slogans.

They called on Amman to take action to reduce prices, including fuel rates.

Meanwhile, activists say a number of protesters were arrested as clashes broke out between police forces and demonstrators.

Last December, thousands of protesters gathered in the capital, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour.

The prices of natural gas cylinders, diesel fuel, and gasoline increased by 54, 33, and 15 percent respectively last November, when government subsidies were withdrawn to tackle a budget deficit of 3.5 billion dinars ($5 billion).

Jordanians have been holding demonstrations since January 2011, demanding political reforms, including the election of the prime minister by popular vote and an end to corruption.

Protesters also accuse the government of failing to take action to improve the country’s struggling economy.

Since the demonstrations began, Jordanian ruler King Abdullah II has sacked three prime ministers to appease the protesters.