Jordan’s king worried about unemployment, deficit

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — Jordan’s king says political reforms are on track, but has expressed concern over high unemployment and the budget deficit.

King Abdullah II told political and business leaders at a meeting Wednesday that the private sector should take the lead in stimulating investment, creating jobs and combating poverty and unemployment.

Some politicians, however, have resisted the privatization drive, blaming it in part for widespread corruption in Jordan.

Unemployment tops 13 percent in the kingdom, which has few natural resources. The budget deficit has been growing and economic growth is slowing.

Abdullah has so far weathered the Arab Spring, which has seen longtime rulers in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia unseated by calls for political and economic change.