BAGHDAD — Iraqi political blocs want to replace some or all of the premier’s Cabinet nominees, a move likely to continue the system of party-affiliated ministers he called to change, officials said on Sunday.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has said that “fundamental” change to the Cabinet is needed so that it includes “professional and technocratic figures and academics”.
He presented a list of candidates for a slimmed-down government to parliament last week, but has faced major opposition from powerful political parties that rely on control of ministries for patronage and funds. At least two of Abadi’s å withdrew, and his cabinet reform efforts seem set for further setbacks.
“We presented three candidates and the other blocs will present their candidates to the government,” said Hamid Maalleh, the spokesman for the Citizens’ Bloc, a major Shiite grouping in parliament.
“Most of the blocs want the nomination to be through them,” Maalleh said, adding that the aim is to hold a vote on the new cabinet on Tuesday.
“Every component is looking to have a presence in the Cabinet,” said Niyazi Oghlu, a parliamentary official. — AFP
