Over Two-Thirds of Jordanians Are Optimistic About the Country's Direction – Citizens' Priorities Revealed

Jordan News

a day ago

A recent public opinion survey conducted by the Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan revealed that 72% of Jordanians believe the country is moving in a positive direction, while 26% think it is heading in a negative one. اضافة اعلان The survey also identified the top priorities for Jordanians. Unemployment and job creation for youth ranked as the most pressing issue, selected by 49% of respondents. This was followed by general economic reform (11%), improving public services such as healthcare and education (11%), and addressing rising prices and cost of living (11%). When asked about the government's recent decision to dissolve municipal and governorate councils and appoint interim committees until elections, 58% supported the move, while 29% opposed it. Regarding participation in upcoming local elections, 44% of respondents said they would definitely vote, 14% said they were likely to vote, and 40% said they probably would not. The survey also asked about the recent government decision to reduce taxes on certain types of passenger vehicles. 72% of respondents had heard of this decision, and 52% of those believe it benefits citizens, while 24% believe it benefits the government more. Additionally, 79% believe the decision will encourage people to purchase new cars, whereas 16% disagreed. On the political front, 97% of Jordanians believe security in the country is stable, with 57% saying it is very stable and 40% saying it is somewhat stable. Only 2% said it was unstable. In contrast, 57% believe the political situation in the region is unstable, including 10% who said it is very unstable. Meanwhile, 43% think the region is stable, with 10% saying it is very stable. When asked about the Palestinian cause, 73% of Jordanians believe it remains a top priority for the Arab world, especially in light of recent developments. In relation to the Iran-Israel conflict, 70% support the ceasefire between the two sides. 58% believe the recent attacks negatively impacted regional security, while 36% felt they had no impact. A significant majority—91%—think Jordan should strengthen its defense system in preparation for potential escalation. Only 5% disagree. On the use of sirens in Jordan during the Iran-Israel conflict, 55% said the sirens had no impact on them or their families, 43% said they caused worry and fear, and 2% said they were simply annoying. 62% reported following official safety instructions when hearing the sirens, while 38% did not. In terms of war-related preparedness, 12% of respondents said they took specific precautions, while 88% did not. Additionally, 89% reported seeing Iranian rockets, drones, or air defense responses with their own eyes, while 11% said they did not. Back on domestic issues, 63% of Jordanians said they rely primarily on social media for news and information about local events, making it the top source. Television came second at 27%, while friends and family made up 5%. Concerning recent amendments to the enforcement law regarding debtor imprisonment, 66% of respondents had heard of the changes, while 34% had not. Of those aware, 58% supported the amendments—24% strongly, 26% moderately, and 8% slightly—while 41% opposed them. When asked about social safety, 86% said they feel very or moderately safe in their communities, whereas 10% do not feel safe. Regarding the spread of drugs in society, 55% believe drugs are highly prevalent, 24% said moderately prevalent, 11% said slightly prevalent, and 5% said not prevalent at all. Respondents identified young adults aged 18–25 as the most affected age group, followed by teenagers aged 13–17 (25%), then adults aged 26–35 (13%), while 16% believe all age groups are equally affected. On the recent alcohol poisoning incident, 39% blamed regulatory authorities, 33% held the manufacturing company responsible, 20% blamed the individuals who consumed the drinks, and 5% felt all parties shared responsibility. Regarding the government's response to the incident, 60% believed the actions taken were quick and appropriate, while 27% found them delayed or inadequate.
Finally, 93% of respondents expressed confidence in regulatory institutions to prevent similar incidents in the future. Specifically, 93% trust the Public Security Directorate, 73% trust the Ministry of Health, and 71% trust the Food and Drug Administration.