Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb is expected to carry out a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle after parliament ends its extraordinary session, possibly by next week, official sources said on Tuesday, quoted by the Jordan Times.
One source said Abu Ragheb planned to introduce new blood into the government, a year after it was formed.
Official sources said Abul Ragheb had been holding consultations to test the waters for the possible replacement of 10 ministers.
Only one of the three deputy prime ministers, Interior Minister Awad Khleifat, is expected to retain his post, according to the sources.
The other two, Transport Minister Saleh Irsheidat and Justice Minister Faris Nabulsi, are expected to leave, according to one source.
The paper said that it was not immediately clear who the potential candidates for the posts were.
Political analysts estimate that the imminent reshuffle reflects plans to postpone the general legislative elections, expected in November.
Uncertainty and speculation has been rife about whether the authorities should postpone the elections, pending the parliament’s failure to act on a draft law on elections.
Abu Ragheb, the 33rd premier of Jordan since its creation in 1921, is said to be against the inclusion of parliamentarians in the cabinet.
Several deputies have expressed their desire to assume ministerial posts, the paper said, but “Abu Ragheb has not given promises to that end.” – Albawaba.com
