[JURIST] The Parliament of Iraq [official website] on Tuesday unanimously approved Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi’s [official website] reform plan [statement] to cut spending and eliminate many top political positions. The reform plan came after citizen protests against corruption and poor governance throughout the country and will restart a corruption investigation program. Iraq’s cabinet approved the proposal [JURIST report] on Sunday, but was faced with some criticism from opponents. However, the plan was passed unanimously by parliament without debate. The Speaker, Dr. Saleem al-Jubouri [official website], congratulated the nation [press release] on approving the reform plan, stating that it will be “the breakthrough of a new era where the path would be corrected to be in line with the aspirations of the people regarding providing services and fighting and eliminating corruption.”

Iraq has faced significant challenges in recent years with both providing basic infrastructure and fighting militant groups. Earlier this month, the Iraqi Parliament warned [JURIST report] that closing UN health clinics in the country would have devastating effects for residents there. Last month, a Baghdad court sentenced [JURIST report] 24 Islamic State militants to death for the killing of hundreds of Iraqi soldiers.