Jordan has long been recognized in its regional neighborhood as a "model state," one that mastered the delicate art of balancing national security with political openness. 

For decades, the high ceiling of freedoms in the Kingdom—particularly press freedom—served as a hallmark that transformed Amman into a sanctuary for intellectuals and media professionals seeking a space for responsible expression. However, a close reading of the scene in recent years points to a troubling erosion of these gains, necessitating a pause for course correction—or what could be termed a "factory reset"—to return to the democratic principles that shaped the identity of the modern state, specifically media liberties.

The decline of Jordan’s ranking in global press freedom indices is the result of legal and administrative restrictions that have hampered the role of the press as a "fourth estate" meant to monitor and expose imbalances. Recommitting to the freedom of journalistic work is not a luxury but a national necessity; a free press is uniquely capable of uncovering pockets of corruption and offering constructive insights that help decision-makers see what official reports might obscure. This decline in freedoms cannot be separated from the deteriorating economic conditions facing Jordanian citizens today. Amidst high inflation and rising unemployment, Jordan needs, more than ever, a genuine "political breakthrough" to restore the lost trust between the public and official institutions.

This trust is built by strengthening the democratic approach and ensuring actual popular participation. Such a shift does not only improve the state's image but fosters a sense of collective responsibility toward economic challenges, where the citizen feels like a partner in decision-making rather than a mere recipient of burdens. Consequently, the government is called upon today to take urgent easing measures that go beyond immediate financial aspects to include structural reforms in the management of public space. This begins with loosening the administrative grip on digital expression platforms—the primary outlet for youth—and moves toward a comprehensive review of laws governing political and media life, led by the Cybercrimes Law, to align them with the spirit of political modernization. Furthermore, it requires opening serious channels of dialogue with professional unions and civil society to ensure their active participation in crafting economic solutions.

Jordan possesses the necessary infrastructure for freedom; we are not starting from a vacuum but rather calling for a return to a historical legacy characterized by moderation, pluralism, and the capacity to contain dissenting opinions. Restoring Jordan’s advanced position in civil liberties would be the strongest message of reassurance to the international community that the Kingdom is strong through its institutions and resilient through the freedom of its people. Such a path can transform current crises into opportunities for growth through comprehensive political reform that prioritizes human dignity and liberty. Strengthening the internal front is a vital pillar advocated by King Abdullah II to confront external threats. Therefore, the government must lift the weight of marginalization and restriction from the people’s shoulders by allowing them to express their concerns without fear and granting the press the freedom to be the voice of the aggrieved. Expanding the circles of political participation serves as a safety valve to absorb the public tension resulting from the pressures of daily life.