BAGHDAD (AP) August 14, 2015 — Thousands of people are taking to the streets in cities across Iraq to show support for a reform plan put forth by the prime minister this week that aims to target corruption and curb reckless government spending.
People sang, chanted and played music at the demonstrations Friday, the largest of which were in the cities of Baghdad, Babel, Basra and al-Kut. They waved Iraqi flags and banners showing their support for the first of several reform measures from Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
On Tuesday, lawmakers unanimously approved a reform plan proposed by al-Abadi that eliminates the three vice presidencies and the three deputy prime minister posts. The reforms also expand the powers of the prime minister, allowing him to sack provincial governors and the heads of provincial and local councils.