From that moment, the speech took on a direct tone and drew three clear lines: security that must not be compromised, water that must not be bargained over, and a law that excludes no one. Yet from now on, these lines will be measured in another language—the language of numbers—as the statement on preparing the 2027 budget was issued the same day.
On the security file, the King described the attack as an attempt "to test the strength of our state and the resolve of our people," and decisively excluded its perpetrators from the national community: "These individuals have strayed from our great Jordanian family and betrayed this household." After praising the members of the Jordanian Armed Forces and security agencies, he returned the center of gravity to society itself, saying: "My bet remains on the Jordanian."
From domestic affairs, the speech moved to the regional arena with the same tone. The King affirmed that there is no path to security and stability without fulfilling the Palestinian people's right to their land, and described "Israeli expansionist ambitions" as "the greatest threat to the region's future and hopes." He then framed his stance in a sharp triad: whoever thinks tyranny confers legitimacy, or that time erases truth, or that a Jordanian retreats from his principles, is mistaken.
The speech did not exempt Parliament from scrutiny. After describing it as an "essential and leading pillar in political life," the King called on it to be "the voice of the nation, guardian of the public interest, and overseer of government performance." He reminded lawmakers that Jordanians are watching the laws emerging from the dome, as well as "the behavior and discourse emanating from it."
The economic benchmark was simple and strict: the Jordanian citizen's interest "must be at the heart of every decision, not on its margins," and true development is that which the citizen feels in his livelihood, opportunities, education, and healthcare. By this standard, the numbers face a tougher question: GDP grew by 3% in the second quarter according to the Department of Statistics, while unemployment remained at 16.1%, reaching 21% among Jordanians.
Thus, the King's call to accelerate major projects appears more than just a general developmental directive. The International Monetary Fund expects growth of 2.7% this year, rising to 3.1% in 2027, supported by the launch of major investment projects—the same figure on which the government bases its upcoming budget. The budget statement adds to these calculations a monthly increase of 30 dinars for public sector employees, military personnel, and retirees whose total salaries are below 600 dinars, along with increased capital spending and social protection.
Perhaps the strongest moment in the speech came in a single word repeated three times by the King: "Water, water, water." He then said: "We will not allow Jordanians' thirst to be held hostage to any circumstance," directing the government to continue water security projects and develop proactive plans to protect water resources.
This file is also one of the heaviest financially. The National Carrier Project, which involves desalinating 300 million cubic meters annually from the Gulf of Aqaba, was estimated by the Prime Ministry in April at a total cost of approximately $5.8 billion, including financing costs. The government's contribution amounts to $722 million, and the budget statement specifies allocations for this contribution.
The most direct statement in the speech was addressed to officeholders: "The law knows no name, no position, no influence." The King rejected viewing public office as an honorific title and affirmed that no one is immune from accountability if they misuse their position. This message also has a financial dimension, as trust in spending decisions depends on their fairness and efficiency—especially as Prime Minister Jafar Hassan has been directed to develop a plan to cut government operational expenses by 15% next year.
In contrast to firmness, the speech opened the door to public debate, describing it as "a legitimate right protected and safeguarded by the Constitution," provided opinions are sincere and responsible. The King concluded by expressing his confidence in Jordanians, so that Jordan may remain "noble, great in stature and value."
The House of Representatives now has 14 days to submit its response to the speech, but the most important response will not be written in a parliamentary memorandum. It will appear in budget tables, project timelines, job opportunities, and water reaching homes.
What the Throne Speech outlined is not merely a set of headings for the coming phase, but a clear work contract between leadership, government, and citizen: security to be preserved, water to be secured, and law applied to all without exception. And Jordanians, who have weathered the toughest circumstances alongside their Hashemite leadership, are capable of turning these messages into tangible achievements—whenever political will is matched with competent management and serious accountability. May God preserve our King and Jordan, a noble nation of great stature and value.
Head of the Economic and Development Studies Unit – Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development Institute
