Al-Tal to “Al-Taj”: The King’s Economic Messages in the Speech from the Throne Set the Citizen as a “Benchmark” for Development Success

Al-Taj News – Al-Taj News –
Wafa Sbeih. Al-Tal to “Al-Taj”: The King’s repetition of the word “water” underscores the seriousness of the water challenge

The Professor of Economics at the University of Jordan, Dr. Raed Mahmoud Al-Tal, confirmed that the noble Speech from the Throne delivered by His Majesty King Abdullah II at the opening of the third ordinary session of the twentieth National Assembly today carried clear economic messages that went beyond emphasizing the continuation of the economic modernization journey, to place before the government and state institutions a set of priorities that should be reflected in the trajectory and outcomes of the national economy.

During his interview with “Al-Taj News,” Al-Tal said that the first economic message was represented in redirecting the concept of development toward the citizen, pointing to His Majesty the King’s assertion that the interest of the Jordanian must be at the core of every decision, not on its margin.

He explained that this orientation carries an important economic significance, represented in that the success of economic policies should not be measured solely by GDP growth rates, but rather by the extent to which this growth is reflected in real incomes, job opportunities, production, and standards of living.

He added that growth that does not generate sufficient economic opportunities and is not reflected in the well-being of citizens remains limited in impact from the perspective of comprehensive development.

Regarding the second message, Al-Tal indicated that it pertains to major projects, as His Majesty the King called on the government to accelerate the completion of strategic projects aimed at bolstering the national economy and enhancing its resilience.

He noted that this call poses a “fundamental” economic question regarding how to ensure these projects turn into genuine engines of growth, stressing that the answer is not related to the speed of implementation alone, but rather to the ability of the projects to expand the economy’s productive capacity, generate local added value, create job opportunities, and stimulate associated economic activities.

He drew attention to the necessity of evaluating projects according to their economic and social returns, not merely according to the volume of spending or completion rates, emphasizing that a successful strategic project is one that adds new productive capacity and leaves a sustainable impact on the national economy.

Regarding the third message, Al-Tal said that water security received clear emphasis in the Speech from the Throne through His Majesty the King’s statement: “Water, water, water,” pointing out that this emphasis reflects the strategic importance of water in the Jordanian economy.

He explained that water security is no longer merely a service or environmental issue, but has become a primary determinant of productive and investment capacity, as the limitation of water resources affects agricultural and industrial expansion, raises production costs, and constrains the ability of certain sectors to grow.

He stressed that investing in water security projects, improving usage efficiency, reducing waste, and developing sustainable solutions for resource management represents an investment in economic security and in the rights of future generations.

Al-Tal pointed out that the fourth message is represented in consolidating accountability and the rule of law as two fundamental pillars for the success of economic policies and enhancing trust in institutions.

He highlighted His Majesty the King’s emphasis that the National Assembly represents an overseer of government performance and a guardian of the public interest, and his stress that there is no immunity for anyone who abuses their position whoever they may be, and that the rule of law takes precedence over all considerations.

He indicated that this message carries an important economic dimension, as the efficiency of institutions, the integrity of public administration, and accountability for decisions and outcomes constitute essential elements for creating a stable economic environment that attracts investment.

He affirmed that what is required is moving from oversight over procedures and spending to oversight over results and impact, through measurable performance indicators and specific timetables that allow for evaluating the efficiency of policies and projects.

Al-Tal concluded by stating that His Majesty the King’s economic messages in the Speech from the Throne set a clear benchmark for the success of the next stage, represented in the economic added value achieved, the job opportunities provided, and the improvement occurring in the lives of citizens.

He stressed that genuine development is that in which policies turn into results, investments into production, and growth is reflected into economic and social well-being felt by Jordanians.