Jordanians Protest for Greater Reforms

Protesters in Jordan gathered in the center of the capital, Amman on Friday, to call for crucial reforms which they say are long overdue.

Hundreds of Islamists and leftist groups waved the national flag and shouted various slogans against corruption in front of al-Hussein mosque.

Unlike uprisings sweeping countries of the Arab Spring, Jordan has experienced minimal unrest, but reforms promised by King Abdullah have done little to calm the public’s growing frustration against the ruling administration.

Former prime minister Ahmed Obeidat said that there’s little to believe in the reforms announced by the government, as more concessions from the ruling elite were needed to satisfy Jordanians.

Despite being granted the right to participate in elections as independents, as well as vows to establish a constitutional court, the king still retains the power to name governments and can shun parliament whenever he likes.

The opposition is demanding a constitutional monarchy to curb the king’s powers.