Jordan: King Abdullah Shares His Vision for Reform · Global Voices
Nadine Toukan

In a much needed speech during tense times, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan spoke to the country Sunday night about national unity, reform, priorities and his vision.
The Jordanian monarch stated clearly that the country would move to a constitutional, elected government, and pledged to forge forward with democratic political and economic reform, guaranteeing fairness and transparency of the electoral process. Actions will be implemented based on the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee.
Jordanians have been wanting to hear the King speak directly with them, especially after ongoing protests that started six months ago, escalating frustrations, and a general communication breakdown between the government and citizens that has left a gaping void in leadership narrative.
Here's the complete televised speech of His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan [ar]:
Jordanians were quick to share their reactions on the speech on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook. Here is a snap shot of some of the reactions.
Salah tweeted:
Blogger JawazSafar live tweeted quotes from the speech:
HMK Abdullah: A Parliament with an active political parties presence & with a majority to form a government.
HMK Abdullah: We'll ensure applying the outputs of National Dialogue committee in regard of Elections & Parties laws #ReformJO
Also quoting from the speech, printmaker _yaz shared:
HMK Abdullah: nationality is based on loyalty to the country not origin nor religion. RT @JawazSafar
ZeinKF picked up on the King's emphasis on women's rights:
1 of the best points of HM speech is how he highlighted woman rights.Where can u find that? Next to #JO they can't even drive #ReformJo
Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh tweeted:
Address to the nation by HM King Abdullah ll. Clear roadmap for political, economic and social reform. HM himself leads the process.
From the Facebook group “Le Café Politique – Amman” Engineer Faris Ghawi commented:
(screen shot taken with permission)
FadiSamara was not content:
Why is everyone that pleased with HM's speech? Nothing we haven't heard before. Didn't feel the passion to #reformJO!!!
And Jamal_Bat felt some exclusion:
The King's vision? I think we're grown up enough to have our own vision. Gov & king should be working on people's vision not other way around.
MohannedA did not find anything new in the speech:
JawazSafar replied:
@Hazem @MohannedA not even this “تشكيل حكومات على أساس الأغلبية النيابية الحزبية” ? its not a surprise i know but its good to be there
HaithamAbulfoul quoted His Majesty:
King's Address: I favour no one individual or group in the family or differentiate between them. I am one of you, and I am all for you #Jo
LumaQ highlighted:
HM King Abdullah speaks of rumours, and how they effect our country,and that rumours on corruption and defamation are unacceptable.
Nostalgic yasmeeneh tweeted about missing HM King Hussein:
I miss King Hussein's speeches. the beautiful accent, the strong voice, the comfort and love we felt with him. R.I.P your majesty
And geek RaniDababneh shared:
Direct words by #KingAbdullah (على الوجع) I wish gov & people will take it into action now! Loved King Hussein pic in background
Lawyer Nasser Khasawneh tweeted a call for action:
The promise of a parliamentary government in King's speech is a major step forward. It's now time to set a clear timetable.
The complete English transcript of His Majesty's speech is available on this link at the Jordan Times.
King Abdullah's speech was delivered on the evening of June 12 marking the anniversary of the Great Arab Revolt, Army Day and Coronation Day.