Jordan’s Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday submitted their respective replies to the Speech from the Throne delivered by His Majesty King Abdullah II on the second of this month, marking the opening of the third ordinary session of the 20th Parliament.
Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez, delivering the Senate’s reply at Raghadan Palace in the presence of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, said that when a leader with a nation’s history speaks, his words constitute a pledge and a responsibility. He added that the Senate must serve as the voice of the nation, safeguard the public interest, support state institutions against threats, and act as a partner in development and modernisation.
Al-Fayez said terrorist attacks targeting Jordan had chosen the wrong country, stressing that they would not undermine the determination or unity of Jordanians. He said Jordan rests on a deeply rooted national creed and a people committed to their land, dignity, identity, and principles.
He stressed that confronting terrorism requires more than weapons, highlighting the importance of social cohesion and strengthening national awareness. He also praised the efforts of the Jordanian Armed Forces – Arab Army and security agencies in protecting the country.
Al-Fayez noted that the Senate remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities, adding that differences of opinion that safeguard the nation are a virtue, criticism that corrects the course is a necessity, and dialogue that unites rather than divides is the path towards mature political life.
He said the Senate has a duty to support every effort that accelerates the completion of major projects, removes obstacles to their implementation, ensures their benefits reach the national economy, and extends their impact to governorates and remote areas.
He affirmed that the Senate would give special priority to legislation and policies related to water, supporting all efforts to protect water resources, develop their infrastructure, and ensure their sustainability for future generations.
Al-Fayez also stressed that the Senate would work to promote a culture of national dialogue, respect for differing opinions, and a clear distinction between freedom of expression and offence, as well as between constructive criticism and attempts to undermine the state and its institutions.
For his part, House of Representatives Speaker Dr Ibrahim Al-Tarawneh said the treacherous hand of terrorism had failed to understand the people of Jordan, who become more united behind their leader and national flag whenever their security is targeted, and demonstrate strength and steadfastness in times of hardship.
He stressed that the blood of the nation’s martyrs represents a renewed pledge that Jordan will remain defiant in the face of terrorism and that the Armed Forces and security agencies will continue to serve as an unbreakable shield protecting the country.
In this regard, Al-Tarawneh said the House would begin reviewing legislation related to community security and examining any necessary amendments to strengthen state institutions’ ability to confront terrorism and extremism, while reinforcing a system of intellectual and moral resilience.
He noted that Jordanians may disagree on opinions without disagreeing on their country, recognising that democracy grows stronger when views differ and weakens when respect for the Constitution disappears, responsibility is neglected, and narrow interests prevail.
He added that the House would work on legislation to expand employment and production opportunities and empower young people and women, ensuring that its impact is felt across all parts of the country. He also said the House would continue carrying out its oversight role responsibly, including evaluating and holding policies and programmes accountable based on their actual results.
Al-Tarawneh affirmed that Parliament would stand as a symbol of conduct reflecting the noble values and ethics of the Jordanian people. He said the House would work to reinforce parliamentary traditions whose foremost priority is earning Jordanians’ trust and fulfilling their aspirations.
He added that the House would take legislative and oversight measures to strengthen integrity and transparency and prevent the abuse of power. The law, he stressed, must apply equally to everyone, regardless of names or positions. This, he said, is the foundation of the safeguard that protects the nation and the standard by which rights and duties are upheld.
He stressed that the House would remain committed to safeguarding public freedoms and protecting the constitutional right to freedom of expression, while reviewing any legislation related to this right to achieve a balance between individual freedoms, community protection, and the rule of law.
The ceremony was attended by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein, Prince Hashim bin Al Hussein, Prince Rashid bin Al Hassan, and Prince Mired bin Ra’ad, Chief of the Royal Hashemite Court, as well as Prime Minister Dr Jafar Hassan and a number of senior officials.
