Jordan PM says govt to withdraw controversial tax law

AMMAN - Jordan's prime minister designate Omar Razzaz said the government will withdraw the income tax draft law that has triggered widely spread protests.

After a meeting with Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh and Senate President Faisal Fayez, Razzaz said there is consensus among all involved parties to withdraw the law.

"We started a dialogue about the law and will put things back on track," he told reporters.

The law, which seeks to increase income tax on individuals and several economic sectors, sparked nationwide protests over the past days.

Tens of thousands of Jordanians joined the protests, demanding the withdrawal of the law, which is part of reforms under a deal between Jordan and the International Monetary Fund.

Later in the day, Razzaz will meet with heads of the professional associations, which on Wednesday pledged continued protests against the bill.