Zaid al-Rifai

Zaid al-Rifai was appointed Prime Minister of Jordan in May 1973 by King Hussein. He served multiple terms, becoming one of the longest-serving prime ministers in Jordanian history, known for his close ties to the monarchy and conservative policies.

Rifai played a key role in the 1974 Arab League summit in Rabat, which recognized the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. This decision led to Jordan's disengagement from the West Bank, a major shift in policy.

During his later terms, Rifai oversaw economic liberalization policies, including privatization of state-owned enterprises and encouragement of foreign investment. These reforms aimed to reduce Jordan's debt and stimulate growth, though they also increased inequality.

Rifai was appointed President of the Jordanian Senate in 1997, a position he held until 2009. As Senate president, he wielded significant influence over legislation and appointments, serving as a key advisor to King Abdullah II.