BAGHDAD, Iraq – Thousands of Iraqis converged on Baghdad’s Tahrir Square on Friday, calling for the country’s judiciary to be replaced and the names of corrupt politicians and officials to be published.
Demonstrators also chanted in support of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s comprehensive plan to cut down the size of the government and rein in excessive spending.
Chants for better basic services, including water and more electricity, were among the demands of those in the crowds.
It was the third demonstration since reforms announced by Abadi this month, which include a comprehensive reduction in the number of state officials, from the offices of the president and prime minister down to the provincial councils.
In addition, some ministries have been combined.
According to a statement by Abadi on Sunday, committees to observe and monitor salaries for Iraqi officials are being formed.
The proposal also includes fiscal reforms in taxation and the government revenue system. The upper limits of retired officials’ pensions are to be lowered, as are customs tariffs imposed at all border crossing points, including in the Kurdistan region.
Another initiative is to set up an Anti-Corruption Council and a “where did you get this” campaign to tackle runaway official graft.
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