Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Wednesday he sacked 123 senior officials from the administration as part of his efforts to reform the government, Reuters reported.
Abadi did not mention which ministries would be affected by the dismissals but said the deputy ministers and general managers would either retire or have their administrative statuses "adjusted," according to Reuters. The subordinates would take over the responsibilities until the positions are filled, Abadi said.
Abadi pledged in August that he would make strides to rid the government of corruption and mismanagement, a move readily backed by Iraqis who protested for better services and greater efficiency. Others have criticized the lack of change the reforms have so far provided for everyday citizens.
The changes come after Abadi had already eliminated the positions of three vice presidents and three deputy prime ministers. He also dismissed one-third of his cabinet and cut several perks for politicians, Reuters said.
Iraq's political positions had previously been based on sectarian and ethnic quotas, according to Reuters, a system that often led to unqualified employees taking leadership positions.
