Amman: Jordan's King Abdullah is expected to ask Prime Minister Hani Mulki to resign, in a bid to soothe widespread anger over economic policies that have sparked the largest protests in several years.

The dismissal of Mulki was demanded in a series of protests against IMF-backed tax increases that have shaken the kingdom. Political sources said King Abdullah had ordered Mulki for an audience in his palace later on Monday.

Mulki, a business-friendly politician, was appointed in May 2016 and given the responsibility of reviving a sluggish economy and business sentiment hit by regional turmoil.

Public anger over IMF-driven government policies has grown since a steep general sales tax hike earlier this year and the abolition of bread subsidies, a staple item for the poor.

The increases have caused Mulki's popularity to plummet.