Thousands join pro-reform rally in Baghdad

Rasa - About a thousand demonstrators gathered in support of Abadi's recent reform package in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square while still demanding that greater measures be taken to target corruption and restore basic services.

News ID: 3157

Date: 15 August 2015 - 22:29

RNA - Thousands of people demonstrated in cities across Iraq to show support for a reform plan put forth by Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi this week while still demanding that greater measures be taken to target corruption and restore basic services.

Abadi had proposed measures to reduce corruption and save money in the face of mounting unrest.

They include eliminating a layer of senior government positions, ending sectarian and party quotas for government positions and reopening corruption investigations, Reuters reported.

Abadi’s seven-point plan would dismantle portions of the top-heavy government created in the wake of the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Dictator Saddam Hussein.

It would reduce spending on personal bodyguards for officials and transfer the responsibility to the interior and defense ministries. The plan also calls for the review of all corruption cases by a committee of experts, with fresh trials for officials suspected of wrongdoing.

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