Iraqi parliament approves prime minister’s resignation

The Iraqi parliament has approved the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi during an emergency session held Sunday.

Abdul-Mahdi resigned on Saturday following weeks of violent anti-establishment protests that killed hundreds of protesters and wounded thousands more.

Iraq’s top Shia cleric, Ali al-Sistani, on Friday called on the country’s lawmakers to reconsider their support for Abdul Mahdi’s government to stop the cycle of violence in the country.

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According to the Iraqi constitution, the premier’s resignation is considered valid from the date of its announcement.

The parliament must appoint a new candidate for the prime minister’s post within a maximum period of thirty days from the date of the government’s resignation.

Meanwhile, the protesters welcomed Abdul-Mahdi’s resignation. However, they explained that it does not fulfil all their demands, but is the first step towards their goals.