This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-33861080
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Iraqi parliament backs PM Haider al-Abadi's reforms | Iraqi parliament backs PM Haider al-Abadi's reforms |
(35 minutes later) | |
The Iraqi parliament has unanimously approved reforms aimed at stamping out corruption, reducing government waste and easing sectarian tensions. | |
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's programme was pushed through without debate, according to parliamentary speaker Salim al-Juburi. | Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's programme was pushed through without debate, according to parliamentary speaker Salim al-Juburi. |
Under the plan, Mr Abadi will cut spending and eliminate senior posts. | |
It follows recent anti-government protests over an unreliable electricity supply amid a major heatwave. | |
Thousands of people have turned out in Baghdad and other cities to vent their anger at the authorities and pressurise them to make changes. | |
Unbearable conditions | |
Iraq's system of sharing government jobs has long been criticised for promoting unqualified candidates and encouraging corruption. | |
The country has three vice-presidents - two from the Shia Muslim majority and one from the Sunni Muslim minority - and three deputy prime ministers - a Shia, a Sunni and a Kurd (also a Sunni). | The country has three vice-presidents - two from the Shia Muslim majority and one from the Sunni Muslim minority - and three deputy prime ministers - a Shia, a Sunni and a Kurd (also a Sunni). |
As a result of the reforms, senior political appointments will no longer be based on sectarian or party quotas, and the posts of vice-president and deputy PM will be abolished. | |
Mr Abadi's seven-point plan also includes a requirement for a number of government positions to be filled with political independents - a move aimed at cracking down on corruption. | Mr Abadi's seven-point plan also includes a requirement for a number of government positions to be filled with political independents - a move aimed at cracking down on corruption. |
Officials' benefits will also be reduced. | |
The changes come after weeks of protests by voters angry at the way the country is governed and at the lack of investment in infrastructure. | |
In some areas of Iraq it is common to have only a few hours of electricity each day. | |
Tensions have become particularly fraught during a heatwave that has seen temperatures rise to 51C (123F). | |
Frequent power cuts have made the sweltering conditions even more unbearable. | |
Many Iraqis have cautiously welcomed the passing of the reform package, seen as a victory for Mr Abadi. | |
But he still faces pressure to ensure the measures are properly implemented. | |
Mr Juburi said a complementary plan containing even more reforms was needed, and called on Mr Abadi to sack ministers who were guilty of negligence and corruption. |