Jordan hit by fuel subsidy axe protests
Wednesday 14 November 2012
Printable
EmailHundreds took to the streets for a second day today after Jordan announced it was scrapping fuel subsidies.
Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said on Tuesday that cooking and heating gas prices would go up 54 per cent as the government tried to cope with a budget deficit and meet the terms of a £1.3 billion International Monetary Fund loan.
Protesters even targeted King Abdullah II, who rarely provokes the ire of ongoing anti-government demonstrators in the regional US ally.
"Down, down with you, Abdullah," they chanted. "Get out and leave us alone."
Thousands of protesters caused around £900,000 of damage on Tuesday and four civilians and 10 police officers were injured in clashes, police said.
The Muslim Brotherhood, Arab nationalists and Communist groups planned a joint demonstration last night in Amman Square.
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