Iraq PM proposes abolishing vice presidencies in reform push

BAGHDAD  — Iraq's prime minister has proposed abolishing the three vice presidential posts as well as the office of deputy prime minister in order to slash spending and improve the government's performance in the face of mass protests.

Haider al-Abadi's seven-point plan, which was announced Sunday, would also require that a number of government posts be filled with political independents, a move aimed at combatting endemic corruption. The plan would also reduce spending on personal bodyguards for officials while increasing the budget of the national security forces.

The plan must be approved by the cabinet and parliament.

The move comes after days of protests against corruption and mismanagement largely focused on Iraq's failure to provide reliable electricity amid a major heat wave.