Amman, Dec 10 (Petra) – Lawmakers on Wednesday debated the draft state budget law for the fiscal year 2026 for the third day in a row in a morning session chaired by Lower House Speaker Mazen Qadi.

Taking the floor during the session, which was attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and members of the government team, was MP Mustafa Amawi, who called for allocating funding for economic transformation, increased spending on scientific research at universities, drawing up a strategy to address public debt and repayment methods, and supporting and developing industrial and agricultural exports and related projects.

He also urged utilizing and developing waqf (endowment) lands, supporting national agriculture, and protecting small farmers.

Amawi also spoke of the need to review unfinished mega investment projects, support the Audit Bureau, the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, and the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization.

For her part, MP Hala Jarrah said national unity is "a red line that cannot be crossed," adding "Jordan cannot be divided. What unites us is far greater than what divides us. Our political differences are legitimate, but our national unity is paramount."

Saying that banks made profits estimated at approximately JD689 million after tax last year, Jarrah called for a more robust social role by banks.

MP Ayman Abu Haniyeh urged more investment in energy, mining, technology, and youth in the governorates and in productive sectors to maximize revenues and create job opportunities. He said technology, innovation, and AI are key drivers in the future economy.

Lawmaker Ahmad Asha said the focus should be on an entrepreneurial economy, and also stressed the need to exploit energy resources, give young people the opportunity to invest in state-owned land, expand agricultural areas, and enhance food security.

MP Suleiman Kharabsheh called for formation of a national committee of representatives of the Ministries of Culture, Tourism, and Youth to capitalize on the national team's participation in the World Cup and for embassies to play their role in marketing Jordan.

Other lawmakers who addressed the session aired the demands of their constituencies for services, such as education and vocational education, health, human resources' development, as well as economic reform and empowerment programs and social protection.

//Petra//SS

10/12/2025 15:30:24