Omar Razzaz inherited a national economic landscape characterized by an unemployment rate reaching 18.4 percent and a debt-to-GDP ratio of 96 percent, requiring a complex balancing act between international lenders and domestic interests.
Academic and Early Professional Background
Born in 1961 in Al-Salt, Jordan, Razzaz pursued extensive international education. He earned a master's degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a PhD in Planning with a minor in Economics from Harvard University. His academic trajectory concluded with post-doctoral work at Harvard Law School. Prior to his formal cabinet roles, he held leadership positions in several national and international institutions, serving as director of the World Bank in Lebanon from 2002 to 2006 and leading Jordan's Social Security Corporation between 2006 and 2010. He also served as a director at the Jordan Strategy Forum and Jordan's Ahli Bank.
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Razzaz entered the Jordanian government in January 2017 when he was appointed Minister of Education within the cabinet of Hani Mulki. During this tenure, he focused on initiating systemic reforms within the national education sector. His performance in this role preceded his selection to lead the government following the resignation of his predecessor during the 2018 protest movement.
Prime Ministry and Legislative Challenges
Upon his appointment as Prime Minister, Razzaz faced immediate political pressure to stabilize the state. He formed a cabinet that featured seven female ministers, marking the highest level of female representation in Jordanian government history. His first act as Prime Minister involved withdrawing the controversial income tax bill from Parliament to initiate broader public discussion. On July 19, 2018, his government secured a vote of confidence in the 130-member House of Representatives with 79 votes in favor and 49 against. Throughout his term, which lasted until October 12, 2020, he concurrently served as Minister of Defense. His departure followed the dissolution of Parliament by King Abdullah II in September 2020, leading to his formal resignation and the appointment of Bisher Al-Khasawneh as his successor.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Salt, Jordan
- Prime Minister of Jordan: 2018–2020
- Minister of Education: 2017–2018
- Minister of Defense: 2018–2020
- Education: MIT, Harvard University, Harvard Law School
- Citizenship: Jordan
- Languages: English, Arabic
Questions readers ask
What major economic issue did Razzaz face as Prime Minister?
He managed an economy burdened by a 96 percent debt-to-GDP ratio and a 25-year high unemployment rate of 18.4 percent.
When did his tenure as Prime Minister conclude?
He resigned on October 12, 2020, following the dissolution of Parliament, and was succeeded by Bisher Al-Khasawneh.
Achievements
- Minister of Education of Jordan (2017–2018)
- Prime Minister of Jordan (2018–2020)
- Educated at Harvard University and Harvard Law School
