Thousands call for political change in Jordan

(Vatican Radio) Several thousand protesters gathered Amman, Jordan, on Friday to demand political change.

Protesters raised flags and banners and chanted anti-government slogans during the demonstration which was organized by Jordan's main Islamist opposition party, the Muslim Brotherhood.

The demonstration comes less than a day after the King Abdullah II dissolved the country's parliament and called for early elections close to the new-year. The peaceful rally called for constitutional reforms, with protesters complaining that the king has too much power.

Many people said the economy is Jordan is hurting, and too many people cannot afford the high cost of living and are being burdened by high inflation. Unemployment is too high, they said, and young people especially are without work.

Listen to regional correspondent Nathan Morley’s full report: