Iraq: Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi's main backers agree to remove him

The two main supporters of the Prime Minister of Iraq, Adel Abdul Mahdi, have joined efforts in order to remove him from the office on October 29. The anti-government demonstrations have gained momentum in Baghdad along with areas of the Shia south. The leader of Parliament's largest bloc, Shia Muslim leader Muqtada al-Sadr had earlier asked the Iraqi PM to resign from his post and call an early election. However, since he refused, Sadr turned to his political rival, and the second-largest Parliamentary bloc, Hadi al-Amiri to join efforts to remove PM Mahdi. 

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'Leave with dignity intact'

The populist leader, al-Sadr had tweeted saying that he hoped PM Mahdi would leave with his dignity intact, however since he refused to give up his office, al-Amiri has agreed to work in the process of ousting him. Al-Amiri said in a statement that the main goal to work together is to secure the interests of the citizens in the country and 'save the nation in accordance' with the public good. PM Mahdi had taken over the office in 2018 after a prolonged deadlock between al-Sadr and al-Amiri became unsuccessful to secure votes. 

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Political crisis in Iraq

Iraq has been witnessing the fifth consecutive day of tens and thousands of protesters who are demanding for an economic reform along with the removal of the country's politically favourable officials. Amid the escalating political crisis, PM Mahdi had said earlier that he will not leave voluntarily, however, he will call an election unilaterally after the parliament votes in absolute majority to dissolve itself. Protesters gathered in Baghdad's central Tahrir Square asking the government to meet their demands on October 29 which was also the largest of its kind of eruption during the second wave of protests in the country. These protesters have also been retaliated by the police forces in a violent manner, with the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. Nearly 250 people have died since the demonstrations began on October 1. 

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(With input from agencies)