Outgoing PM Abdul Mahdi describes Iraq caretaker government as ‘worst option’

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi caretaker Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi sent an open letter to the Iraqi president, speaker, and lawmakers on Tuesday, expressing his dissatisfaction with the delay in government formation, describing the current caretaker government as the “worst option.”

Outgoing Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi’s open letter comes as political parties are in negotiations with the new Prime Minister-designate Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the third premiership designate following Abdul Mahdi’s resignation in late November in response to protesters’ calls for a government resignation.  

“A caretaker government headed by an independent prime minister with limited powers in these complicated situations is the worst option,” Abdul Mahdi wrote in the letter.

“My government, with the current political dynamics, is no longer able to properly manage the country,” Abdul Mahdi added, referring to the political dynamics that caused mass protests. “The goal was not to change people, but the equations.”

He also mentioned that the role of political parties cannot be neglected since they are the kingmakers in parliament. He noted that it is important for the parties to “reach an agreement” on the suitable candidates for ministerial posts.

At the end of the letter, Abdul Mahdi calls for “flexibility” and “compromise” from the political parties to form a new government so it can administer the crisis-torn Iraq amid a global pandemic and falling oil prices.

In early April, Iraqi President Barham Salih nominated Kadhimi as Iraq’s next prime minister to replace Abdul Mahdi, who resigned in November. Until his nomination, the 53-year-old Kadhimi had been director of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service.

Read More: Iraqi president nominates Mustafa al-Kadhimi to form government as Adnan al-Zurfi steps down

The political negotiations with Khadimi on the ministerial program and positions continue as Iraq is facing dire health, security, and economic challenges.

The crushing oil prices have the potential to cause Iraq a huge budget deficit, and the fight against COVID-19 with a shaky healthcare system is crippling the country as re-merging remnants of the so-called Islamic State pose security challenges.

Read More: ISIS violence grips central Iraq; fresh attacks target civilians, security forces 

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany