Al-Hrout to Parliament: High emigration rates among Jordanian youth raises concerns

During his address to the Jordanian Parliament, Moutaz Al-Hrout underscored the critical need for national responsibility in confronting the pressing challenges facing the nation.

Al-Hrout highlighted the economic, social, and political pressures that the Jordanian people endure in their pursuit of a dignified life.

 - Youth: Unemployment and emigration -

Al-Hrout emphasized that Jordanian youth are the lifeblood of the country, yet they grapple with soaring unemployment rates, which have reached 21.4 percent in the second quarter of this year.

Coupled with low wages and rising living costs, these conditions have prompted 42 percent of young Jordanians to consider emigration, as reported by the Arab Barometer.

He urged the government to implement practical solutions to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises, align education with market needs, and invest in productive sectors, criticizing the absence of clear plans in the ministerial statement to achieve these objectives.

 - Freedoms: Concerns over restrictions -

In discussing freedoms, Al-Hrout expressed alarm regarding the Cyber Crimes Law, which he described as a tool for suppressing dissenting voices. He pointed to vague terms such as "harming societal peace" and "inciting hatred," which contribute to the curtailment of free expression.

He also noted the increasing restrictions at airports and border crossings, along with the lack of student elections at universities.

 - The Palestinian cause -

Al-Hrout affirmed that the Palestinian cause is central to Jordan's identity, calling on the government to adopt a more assertive stance against the Israeli Occupation. He advocated for restoring relations with Palestinian resistance factions, particularly Hamas, and urged the activation of the People's Army to support the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF).

He also called for severing all ties with the Israeli Occupation and recovering the bodies of Jordanian youths held by the occupying forces.

 - Challenges in Madaba and Dhiban -

Addressing the situation in Madaba Governorate and the Dhiban District, Al-Hrout pointed out the significant deficiencies in infrastructure and basic services.

He stressed the need for improved water management and the development of both the agricultural and tourism sectors. He called for a strategic plan to enhance investment in tourism to stimulate development and reduce unemployment.

 - A challenge to the government -

Al-Hrout posed a critical question to Prime Minister Jafar Hassan: “What distinguishes your government from its predecessors that would justify granting you our trust?”

He stressed the urgent need for genuine efforts to meet the aspirations of the Jordanian people and alleviate their hardships.