AMMAN — Politicians, economists and sociologists interviewed by
Jordan News unanimously agreed that unwise political decisions have contributed to
worsening the economy, with negative effects on society, including an increase
in the rates of mental illnesses and crimes.
اضافة اعلان
Their assessment came in the wake of the results of an opinion poll
conducted by the
Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan,
which showed a 19 percent decline in the level of trust in the government of
Bisher Al-Khasawneh. When his government was formed, in October 2020, 52
percent of Jordanians believed it will be able to carry out its duties; now
only 33 percent hold that belief.
The poll also showed that the majority of Jordanians (85 percent) believe
that the government’s economic policies and measures have failed to reduce the
economic burden on citizens, or address the large increase in prices (inflation
rate), poverty and unemployment rates.
Considering the local challenges/problems facing Jordan today, 44 percent
of the respondents agree that the high unemployment rates and lack of job
opportunities are a priority, and the government should start addressing them
immediately, followed by 24 percent who believe the government has to tackle
the high prices, 24 percent the high cost of living and low salaries, and 11
percent the high poverty rates.
Other gloomy findings are that the majority of Jordanians (85 percent)
believe the economic situation is heading in a negative direction, 66 percent
describe the current economic situation of their families as worse than a year
ago, and 79 percent do not believe that theirs is a happy society.
Sociologist Hussain Al-Khuzaie told
Jordan News that “the results
of the poll are realistic and logical, and truly reflect the current situation
in the Jordanian society, whether in the social or economic aspect.”
“We still suffer from real challenges, most prominent of which are
poverty and unemployment. These challenges have not been addressed for a long
time, and they contribute to worsening the situation at all levels,” he added.
He also said that “whoever tries to beautify the picture is an
unrealistic person who is not aware of the reality of the situation.
Unfortunately, successive governments tackle challenges through fake promises
and strategies that are not implemented on the ground.”
Economist
Hussam Ayesh told
Jordan News that “politicians must
take decisions carefully; if the right decision is taken, this will increase
the economic performance of citizens and their loyalty to their country.”
“Governments must preserve the dignity of citizens by creating better
standards of living for them and providing them with a secure future,” he
stressed.
Citizens who are better off financially are also more likely to have
better interaction with fellow citizens, “and this will reduce turmoil and
tension and help constructive interventions and investment, which will
eventually raise the entire society”, he said.
Geopolitical expert
Amer Al-Sabaileh believes that “the inability of
governments is the result of a defect in the concept of state management”.
He said that “we are talking about a case of inefficiency, which is the
result of the absence of a mechanism for decision-making and accountability,
and of real programs and full powers to the government,” free from pressure
from “other centers of power”.
According to Sabaileh, “the impression of the Jordanian street is
overwhelmingly negative about everything that is related to government.”
“It
has been so before and after the formation of the Khasawneh government, and it
is the result of the absence of a decision-making mechanism, of accountability
and of transparency,” he said.
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