Khaberni - The Minister of Government Communication, Mohamed Al-Momani, said that the government faces increasing challenges due to the repercussions of the regional war and its implications on various sectors, stressing that it is its duty to make decisions that ensure the sustainability of these sectors and alleviate the effects of the crisis on citizens.
Al-Momani explained in statements to "Ein FM" radio that the kingdom has a safe stockpile of food commodities, despite the noticeable increase in shipping costs and global oil prices, noting that the government has dealt with these increases gradually without directly burdening the citizens.
He confirmed there is no contradiction between reality and governmental statements, pointing to a series of decisions to support both the military and civilian institutions, where financial support was initially provided to the civilian institution worth 2.5 million dinars, followed by an additional support of 3 million dinars, due to their vital role in providing basic goods at appropriate prices.
He mentioned that adopting a gradual policy in reflecting the rise in fuel prices aims to maintain market stability, warning that applying the increases fully would lead to significant price rises.
He indicated that the government took measures to ensure the flow of goods, including organizing work through the Port of Aqaba according to a specific mechanism, facilitating the passage of goods through land ports, in addition to coordinating with the Syrian side to use its ports, as well as exempting the increases in shipping costs from taxes and fees.
Strict market monitoring
In terms of supervision, Al-Momani emphasized that the Prime Minister's directives were decisive in controlling prices and preventing monopolization, confirming that the monitoring and inspection teams continue their work to ensure the availability of goods and monitor prices regularly.
He added that the government is studying all options before making any new decision, indicating that the current measures are suitable for the current phase, with alternative plans to be announced if the war continues for a longer period.
He pointed out that the consequences of the war are not limited to Jordan but extend regionally and globally, clarifying that what distinguishes handling these crises is the efficiency of the state and its institutions, which have proven their ability to manage the crisis efficiently.
Intensive efforts by security devices
Al-Momani praised the significant efforts made by the Jordanian Armed Forces - the Arab Army, and the security apparatuses, in protecting the sovereignty and security of the kingdom, despite the high cost of these efforts.
He revealed that the government would begin issuing periodic economic reports starting Thursday, to keep up with developments, confirming that regional conditions would reflect on various countries around the world.
In terms of the cost of the war, he explained that it has exceeded 150 million dinars directly, alongside indirect costs, notably the decline in the tourism sector despite the positive indicators it recorded at the beginning of the year.
Al-Momani called for relying on professional and responsible media for accurate information dissemination, far from rumors.
The Social Security Law in the custody of the deputies
He referred to the social security law project, which is now with the House of Representatives, where the parliamentary labor committee is holding intensive meetings with relevant entities, in preparation for raising it to the parliament dome to start its discussion.
Regional interest in the Port of Aqaba
In another context, Al-Momani revealed that the government has received requests from companies and regional countries to use the Aqaba port and its export capabilities for exporting goods and oil, noting that the war highlighted the importance of enhancing logistical cooperation between regional countries, which Jordanian diplomacy is working on.
Continuation of major projects
He affirmed that the government is proceeding with implementing major strategic projects, such as the national carrier project and the railway network, emphasizing that the war will not hinder work and development progress.
The three-day weekend under study
Regarding the possibility of implementing a three-day weekend system, Al-Momani explained that the government is balancing between reassuring citizens and dealing with the repercussions of the war, confirming that this option is still under study and evaluation, especially regarding its impact on the private sector.
He added that any decision on this matter will be announced, accompanied by its justifications, indicating that the government has not yet made this decision, while the flexible working system continues to be applied in government institutions according to the nature of each entity.
