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Iraqi cabinet reform efforts invalidated by court

By Shawn Price
An Iraqi court has thrown out the attempts by Haider al-Abadi Prime Minister of Iraq to reform his government, replacing partisan politicians with technocrats. photo by Mohammed Abbas /UPI
An Iraqi court has thrown out the attempts by Haider al-Abadi Prime Minister of Iraq to reform his government, replacing partisan politicians with technocrats. photo by Mohammed Abbas /UPI | License Photo

BAGHDAD, June 29 (UPI) -- An Iraqi federal court has nullified attempts to reform the cabinet and remove the parliament speaker, the Iraqi judiciary said on Tuesday.

The decision came after both parties complained to the court about constitutional violations the other side made during the two April parliament sessions when attempts were made at reforming the government.

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Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has tried to replace his current party-affiliated cabinet with technocrats, but has weathered heavy political opposition.

Followers of influential Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who supports the idea of a government of technocrats, have repeatedly protested, breaching the fortified Green Zone of the government.

Sadr stopped protests during Ramadan, but has called for more after the holy month ends this week, pressuring the government to act as the nation faces slumping oil prices and war against the Islamic State.

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