Jordan's prime minister-designate began consultations on forming a new government Wednesday, a day after being appointed by King Abdullah.
Marouf al-Bakhit has met with Senate President Taher Masri. Jordan's Petra news agency says the two men discussed a need for government reforms. The news agency says Mr. Bakhit pledged to enact reforms as soon as possible.
King Abdullah dismissed his government on Tuesday following weeks of public protests for political change. Demonstrators blamed the government for rising fuel and food prices as well as slow political reforms. The protests have been similar to those that led to last month's ouster of Tunisia's president.
A palace statement on Tuesday said King Abdullah was tasking the new Cabinet with taking "practical and swift" steps to launch what it called "true political reforms."
Jordan's New PM Begins Talks on Forming Cabinet
