New PM Marouf Bakhit has been charged with carrying out "true political reforms", but the Islamist opposition rejected the appointment.

The protesters had demanded action on unemployment and rising prices and the right to elect the prime minister.

They blamed former PM Samir Rifai for the country's economic problems and had called on him to stand down.

The palace said the king had accepted Mr Rifai's resignation earlier on Tuesday.

The move is being seen as an attempt to head off further trouble from angry Jordanians, in the wake of the unrest in Tunisia and Egypt.

In a statement, the palace said the new prime minister's mission was "to take practical, quick and tangible steps to launch true political reforms, enhance Jordan's democratic drive and ensure safe and decent living for all Jordanians".