Omar Razzaz was sworn in as Jordan's new prime minister on June 15 after a week of nationwide protests against a controversial income tax bill that ended in the dismissal of the government of Hani Al-Mulki. Three months later, Razzaz is now facing harsh criticism over a new draft of the same law, unveiled Sept. 11 following intense deliberations with the International Monetary Fund.
Passing a new income tax law that expands tax brackets and controls tax evasion is part of a fiscal reform program with the IMF intended to offset Jordan’s budget deficit and facilitate foreign loans to support the state treasury.
