Amman, Dec. 18 (Petra) – The Senate on Thursday unanimously approved the draft general budget law for the 2026 fiscal year, as received from the Lower House of Parliament, during a session chaired by Senate President Faisal Fayez and attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and the Cabinet.

The Senate also endorsed the recommendations of its Finance and Economy Committee after hearing the government’s response, delivered by Minister of Finance Abdelhakim Shibli.

Eight senators addressed the session, calling for measures to improve the investment climate, expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, open new markets for tourism and national industries, advance health sector reform and coverage, and reduce poverty and unemployment.

Speakers underlined the importance of advancing the political modernization process through support for political parties, improving public services, strengthening the armed forces and security agencies, developing public administration, tourism, agriculture, and information technology sectors, and shifting toward vocational and technical education.

They also stressed the need to attract value-added investments, promote balanced development across governorates, support the judiciary and expedite case resolution, uphold national principles, and expand training and capacity-building programs.

Fayez noted that the Senate has begun using artificial intelligence technologies to support the review of draft legislation, including the general budget law, enhancing data analysis, accuracy, and decision-making efficiency, as part of broader institutional modernization aimed at strengthening oversight, transparency, and the quality of financial policymaking.

At the conclusion of the session, Fayez said the Senate stands firmly behind His Majesty King Abdullah II in confronting economic challenges and supporting efforts to secure a better future for Jordanians. He said the current economic conditions, shaped by regional developments and their economic, social, and security repercussions, require intensified cooperation to implement the Economic Modernization Vision, accelerate growth, advance major projects, attract investment, create employment opportunities, and improve living standards.

Fayez called on the government to accelerate modernization efforts, adopt plans to address the impact of regional developments, reinforce self-reliance, and maintain transparency and communication with citizens regarding prevailing challenges.

//Petra// AJ

18/12/2025 13:39:37