Jordan hit by fuel subsidy axe protests / World / Britain/World / Home - Morning Star
World

Jordan hit by fuel subsidy axe protests

Wednesday 14 November 2012
Printable page Printable
Email Email

Hundreds 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.

If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.

Donate to the Fighting Fund here

Bookmark and Share

Editorial

Iraq ruling is no vindication

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond believes himself vindicated by the High Court ruling that his Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) is independent.

Features

Turmoil set to continue

by Tom Gill

A look at the causes and possible outcomes of Silvio Berlusconi and his right-wing coalition's lead in the polls.

Our government has put us at risk

by Lindsey German

Attacks such as yesterday's horrific murder in Woolwich didn't happen before the 'war on terror.' It's time we recognised the consequences of the conflicts we've unleashed