His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday asserted that financial reform must be a national programme geared towards safeguarding the middle class and those with limited incomes, urging a comprehensive economic reform programme that ensures growth.

During a meeting with the president of the Senate and members of its permanent office and committee chairs, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, King Abdullah stressed that citizens must not be forced to carry the burden of subsidies that benefit non-Jordanians, who number nearly 4 million in the Kingdom.

Jordanians have had to put up with so much, His Majesty continued at the meeting, held at Al Husseiniya Palace, adding that citizens cannot continue to cover the cost of refugees.

No country can easily pay a quarter of its budget for refugees, the King noted, stressing that Jordanians have been patient enough.

Acknowledging the enormity of the challenges ahead, His Majesty said Jordan must face them to ensure that the coming years will be better and easier for citizens.

Tax evasion will not be tolerated, the King affirmed, noting that the government will present a new draft tax law that imposes stiff penalties to curb tax evasion instead of increasing the burden on citizens.

His Majesty said tax evasion is a key issue that must be addressed effectively by improving tax collection and holding evaders accountable to ensure that people with limited incomes do not end up paying the bulk of the taxes.

The King voiced hope that next year will be marked by recovery from the repercussions of regional conditions—including the Syrian refugee crisis and the closure of export markets—through the Jordan Economic Growth Plan and financial reform efforts.

His Majesty urged the government to endorse an action plan to implement the Jordan Economic Growth Plan, stressing the importance of cooperation between the government and Parliament in endorsing laws for the plan’s implementation.

The King said he has directed the government to rationalise expenditure, increase the efficiency of public institutions, and ensure the stability of economic legislation, affirming the importance of enhancing the investment climate and expediting progress in various sectors.

His Majesty also voiced appreciation for the Senate’s work during the extraordinary session, which was marked by the endorsement of laws to develop the judiciary, as recommended by the Royal Committee to Develop the Judiciary and Enhance the Rule of Law.

Citing the municipal and governorate council elections that were held recently, the King stressed that decentralisation is an opportunity to set governorates’ development priorities and to focus on supporting them.

His Majesty also called for supporting agricultural programmes in the governorates and ensuring the proper utilisation of Jordan’s economic and commercial advantages to increase investments and job opportunities.

Noting the spread of misinformation and fabricated news, the King called for providing clear, verified information, rather than rumours.

His Majesty voiced hope that regional conditions will improve, and that the cycle of violence surrounding Jordan will end.

Also during the meeting, the King highlighted the latest developments in the peace process, voicing hope that US President Donald Trump’s commitment to resolving the Palestinian issue will soon be translated into a plan.

Jordan and Iraq, His Majesty said, are working to ensure that trade movement returns to normal, noting that reopening the Turaibil border crossing is in the two countries’ joint interest.

Speaking at the meeting, Senate President Faisal Fayez said Jordan, led by the King, will be able to overcome the difficult circumstances.

Current challenges will not sway Jordan from its goals, Fayez noted, stressing that the Kingdom will remain the region’s safety valve.

Fayez also praised Crown Prince Al Hussein’s efforts in adopting and supporting youth causes, praising the messages conveyed in the speech delivered by His Royal Highness at the UN General Assembly.

For their part, the senators stressed the need to provide facts to citizens and to combat the spread of rumours and misinformation.

They stressed the need for the government to engage in a dialogue with citizens and to inform them of the challenges ahead and the measures needed to address them.

Calling for protecting people living in poverty and expanding the middle class through the implementation of development projects, the senators stressed the importance of focusing on key sectors, such as tourism, industry, agriculture, and construction.

Supporting the economy and finding solutions to take on the challenges ahead are everyone’s responsibility, they noted, calling for utilising Jordan’s free trade agreements with various countries to attract investments.

They added that the media and the government have a role to play in providing correct information and highlighting positive achievements, instead of only focusing on negative issues.

The senators praised His Majesty’s efforts in defending the Palestinian cause and safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, also commending the messages expressed in the speech delivered by the Crown Prince at the UN General Assembly while deputising for the King.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.