Why did protests occur in Jordan during the 2010s?

During the 2010s, protests in Jordan were primarily driven by economic hardship and a desire for political reform. Following the Arab Spring in 2011, thousands of citizens in Amman demonstrated against high prices, unemployment, public corruption, and a perceived lack of democracy.1

Economic discontent remained a recurring catalyst throughout the decade, often exacerbated by government austerity measures implemented to qualify for International Monetary Fund loans. Notable instances include:

• 2012: Riots broke out following the reduction of fuel subsidies.1
• 2018: Large-scale protests occurred in response to proposed income tax hikes and the removal of food subsidies.2

Additionally, regional instability, particularly the Syrian Civil War, placed significant strain on Jordan’s infrastructure and economy, further fueling public frustration. While the monarchy often replaced cabinets to deflect criticism, protesters frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of political reform and the perceived lack of genuine democratic representation in the electoral system.12