Hundreds of Jordanians gathered in front of the Prime Minister Omar Razzas's office in the capital Amman to protest a tax law backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The government scrapped a very similar bill in the summer after massive protests against the measure forced the resignation of former Prime Minister Hani Mulki.
The new law, which was passed in November, included a tax hike for employees by at least five percent and on companies by between 20 and 40 percent. The tax threshold for households was also raised to 20,000 Jordanian dinars ($28,000, €24,650) and exemptions for education and health expenses were introduced.
Demonstrators also called for democratic reforms and accused Razza of failing to fight corruption and improve public services. Many called for the release of at least 24 people who had taken part in protests in the past two weeks, according to local media.
Jordan sought IMF help difficulties in servicing its $40 billion pile of public debt and high unemployment. Unlike its neighbors, it has few natural resources and relies heavily on foreign aid.
Three Gulf countries — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — offered a $2.5 billion aid package to Jordan in June to help it tackle the economic crisis, Deutsche Welle reported.
Jordan on Thursday warned its citizens against holding copycat "Yellow Vest" protests in the kingdom, saying it is unacceptable, Global Times told.
Jordan's Minister of State for Media Affairs Jumana Ghunaimat made the remarks during a press conference Thursday after some Jordanians held demonstration recently while putting on yellow vests to imitate the protesters in France.
The minister slammed the Jordanian opposition figures who are residing abroad for seeking to create chaos in Jordan.
Ghunaimat issued the warning in response to the calls on social media and by some parties in Jordan to hold protests against the government's economic policies and the recently-endorsed income tax law.
She urged all Jordanians to be vigilant and abide by the law, while expressing their views in a way guaranteed by law.
The minister noted that the Jordanian government is aware of the situation and concerns by citizens and is working to address the challenges faced by the kingdom.
She added that the government has held several meetings with many segments of the society to address the issues of concern by citizens.
Recently, French protesters worn reflective yellow vests during demonstration against the government's hike in fuel tax, turning the clothing into a symbol of street protest against the government.
