Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has announced a package of sweeping reforms to reduce governmental costs, improve the country's economic health and tackle corruption. The Iraqi Prime Minister's announcement came after weeks of protests against corruption and poor governance across the country, according to BBC.
The Iraqi cabinet has approved the Abadi's reform proposal and send it to parliament for discussion. Parliament is likely to vote on the proposal on Tuesday.
"The cabinet unanimously approved the first package of reforms presented by... Abadi in an extraordinary session," Iraqi prime minister's office said in a statement on Sunday, according to Al Arabiya.
The reforms package calls for elimination of the posts of vice president and deputy prime minister immediately. There are currently three vice presidents - two from Shiites and one from Sunni - and three deputy prime ministers - a Shiite, a Sunni and a Kurd - in Iraq, according to DW.
The proposal would result in the sacking of his predecessor and political rival Nouri al-Maliki, who holds largely symbolic post of vice president, and alleged to have undermined Abadi in a bid to eventually return to power, according to Al Arabiya. Al-Maliki, however, denied the allegations.
The reform package also includes setting up a high commission to investigate current and former officials accused of corruption and an overhaul of the way officials, including ministers, according to Gulf News. Abadi also proposed to abolish system of political appointments on sectarian or party quotas basis.
Thousands of Iraqi citizens took to the streets across the country to show their support for Abadi's bold reform proposal.
"I am here to support Abadi to go ahead in his campaign to make reforms and carry out our demands. I will defend him (Abadi) and support his government as long as he put his hand at the hands of people and save us from this sabotage," Mohammed Mahmood, a supporter of reform, told Middle East Eye.
