The new Jordanian government, headed by Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz, was sworn in before King Abdullah II on Thursday. The new cabinet includes 28 ministers, including seven women. The swearing in ceremony took place at the al-Husseiniya palace in Amman, said a statement from royal court. King Abdullah appointed Razzaz, a Harvard-educated economist outside the ranks of the traditional political elite, last week to replace Hani Mulki, a business- friendly politician who was dismissed to defuse public anger that led to some of the largest protests in years. Thousands of Jordanians took to the streets in Amman and in provincial towns earlier this month against a series of tax rises since the start of the year. Protesters called for sacking the government and scrapping a tax bill which unions and civic groups blamed for worsening poverty and unemployment. Official sources said the government is expected to maintain traditional support for US policies in the region and continue with International Monetary Fund-guided reforms, reported Reuters.