LONDON: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has introduced reforms to reduce government costs and fight corruption following nationwide protests.
According to the BBC, most of Abadi's proposed reforms will require parliamentary approval.
The move comes after recent anti-government protests that were sparked due to unreliable electricity amid a major heat wave.
Iraq's most influential Shia cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, urged the Prime Minister to "strike with an iron fist" against corruption and make political appointments based on ability rather than party or sectarian affiliation.
Iraq's system of sharing government posts between sectarian groups has long been criticized for promoting unqualified candidates and encouraging corruption.