Iraqi Sadrist movement says it firmly refuses to join new government

Iraq’s Sadrist movement has announced its refusal to participate in a new government being formed by prime minister-designate Mohammad Shia al-Sudani.

Mohammed Saleh al-Iraqi, a close associate of Muqtada al-Sadr, said in a statement posted on Twitter that it firmly opposed the participation of anyone affiliated with the Sadrist movement in the new government.

“We stress our firm and clear refusal for any of our affiliates to participate... in this government formation,” Iraqi said.

He added that the Sadrist movement refused to take part in any government led by Sudani “or any other candidate from among the old faces or those affiliated with the corrupt.”

This came two days after Iraqi lawmakers elected Abdul Latif Rashid as the Arab country’s new president, who immediately named Sudani as Prime Minister, breaking a months-long political deadlock and paving the way for the formation of a new government.

The Iraqi parliament had already made three failed attempts this year, from February 7 to March 30, to pick a new head of state for the crisis-hit Arab country.

In his Saturday statement, Iraqi claimed that the upcoming government has a “clear subordination to militias” and would not meet the Iraqi people’s aspirations.

“Anyone who joins their ministries does not represent us... rather, we disavow them,” Iraqi added.

SS