Sadr’s alliance rejects candidacy of former chairman of Popular Mobilization Forces to interior minister

Lawmakers of Iraq’s Sairoon Alliance led by Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr rejected on Tuesday the candidacy of the former chairman of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Faleh al-Fayyad as interior minister.

The lawmakers announced their position ahead of a Parliament session to vote on the appointment of the remaining eight ministers for the Iraqi cabinet including the ministers of interior and defence.

Read: Iraq’s Sadr gives PM one year to prove himself

According to the deputies, al- Fayad is not fit to take over the ministry of the interior, because he had previously served in an executive position and he is not independent.

Al-Fayad has previously served as a national security adviser and was chairman of the Popular Mobilization Forces before he was dismissed by the previous prime minister, Haidar al-Abadi.

He is widely supported by pro- Iranian militias and parties.