Dr. Hamza Alakaleek
In a parallel universe, where the parliamentary dome transforms into a classroom, the Speaker of the House becomes the "class monitor," wielding an imaginary stick of authority and using phrases that are far from befitting the dignity and protocols of the position he holds—or the longstanding parliamentary traditions established by those who sat in the chair before him. Instead of managing sessions with respect and wisdom, we hear him shouting at MPs: "Move him!" as if they were students in a math class, or directing his words at ministers with a curt, "Put your hand down!" as if they were kids in a failed art lesson. What a surreal scene, where politics blends with comedy, and seriousness merges with absurdity!
In this political fantasy, the parliament turns into a stage for shouting and buffoonery, where parliamentary norms are ignored and replaced with a tone no different from what you’d hear in a bustling marketplace. The Speaker of the House, who is supposed to embody neutrality and integrity, morphs into a tyrannical "class monitor," dishing out orders with an air of superiority, as if he’s forgotten that MPs and ministers are not pupils in his personal school.
But let’s return to reality, where such inappropriate behavior is a blatant violation of parliamentary norms. The Speaker of the House is a public figure who must uphold the dignity of the legislative institution and serve as a model of respect and balance. In the real world of politics, there is no place for shouting or clowning around. Parliamentary traditions demand that the Speaker be wise, composed, and capable of managing sessions with both respect and firmness. If the parliamentary dome turns into a classroom, who will lead the legislative institution? And who will represent the people with dignity?
As for Abdulhakim Al-Shibli, the Minister of Finance—whom I do not know personally, have never met, and have no familial or personal ties to—reliable and trustworthy sources attest that he is a man of diligence and hard work. A young Jordanian who emerged from the heart of this land, he climbed the ranks through natural progression as a proactive and innovative employee, thanks to his academic, professional, and practical journey, until he was royally appointed to this position by Prime Minister Dr. Jaafer Hasan. He did not reach this position by shifting political allegiances, swapping protective umbrellas, or blackmailing political stances. Had it been Mohammad Al-Asas sitting at the helm of the Ministry of Finance, the Speaker of the House would not have dared to look him in the eye.
And if we want to talk about blackmail, the collective memory of the people is filled with instances of MPs blackmailing government officials. I don’t need to provide examples here—just visit the office of any government official, regardless of their rank, and you’ll find MPs at their doors more often than citizens, seeking exceptions, contract awards, bypassing regulations, or even more.
This behavior, which lacks maturity and responsibility and contradicts the dignity of the Speaker’s position, is not just a violation of the law but a threat to the entire democratic legitimacy. In Jordan, where parliament is part of the declared political reform project, there is a genuine need to transform the council into a platform for constructive dialogue, rather than a theater for personal conflicts. As King Abdullah II stated: "Parliament is a school for democracy, and the etiquette of dialogue is the foundation of its success."
In parliamentary traditions, and at a time when Jordan celebrates 100 years of statehood, the Speaker is prohibited from showing bias or using inappropriate language. Provocative statements can be interpreted as a breach of parliamentary protocol, especially if they threaten the dignity of an MP or obstruct constructive dialogue with the executive branch.
This political fantasy is not just satire; it is a call to restore the dignity of institutions. There is no need to use bonsai techniques to shrink authorities or positions to fit the agendas or whims of individuals. Let’s leave the shouting to the markets and reserve respect for parliament. Jordan deserves a balanced council that aligns with and advances the political reform project directed by the King, not a group of pupils in an imaginary classroom!
Ironically, amidst this farcical play, we find the state, under Hashemite leadership, working diligently to stand against the fierce winds blowing from the West, while MPs skillfully play the game of "tug-of-war." They do not hesitate to use every available tool, all under the slogan: "Politics is the art of the possible!" Or rather: "Politics is the art of blackmail!"
It is absurd and baffling to see the Speaker of the House unleashing his anger on MPs and ministers as if they were elementary school students. We must realize that true leadership is not built on power and authority but on wisdom and foresight. A leader must be able to listen to others, respect their opinions, and work with them to achieve the nation’s interests.
In comparison to similar incidents in other Arab parliaments, in Kuwait in 2021, the Speaker of the National Assembly threatened to expel an MP, leading to public pressure and eventual amendments to the bylaws, with the Speaker apologizing for his behavior. In Morocco in 2022, when the Speaker of Parliament cut off a deputy’s microphone, the King intervened to issue directives emphasizing the importance of respectful dialogue.
In short, the dignity of the position is not earned through shouting but through behavior worthy of representing the people and the institution