Sudani government prepared six-minister cabinet reshuffle that never took effect, alliance says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Construction and Development Alliance said the government of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani prepared a cabinet reshuffle covering six ministers, but the step was never implemented because political blocs failed to reach an agreement. Alliance spokesperson Firas al-Moslimawi said the Sudani government not only drafted the reshuffle but also referred five ministers to the judiciary on corruption charges, adding that the political environment at the time was not receptive to such moves. He said current Prime Minister Ali Fahd al-Zeydi enjoys broader political and popular support and that the new government has been able to pursue corruption cases across all ranks, from ministers down to directors general and ministry office heads. The Sudani government had previously launched a reform process that included administrative changes at the director-general level across several institutions, according to the spokesperson. The remarks came during the same period as a broad operation launched Sunday morning targeting politicians, lawmakers and business figures. Prime Minister al-Zeydi described the crackdown as the "first phase" of a wider effort to recover public funds. Sadrist Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr called the operation a "heroic reform push" and called for a civilian show of support after Friday prayers. The Federal Integrity Commission said all arrest warrants are being carried out under judicial oversight and that new cases continue to be opened.