Calls Grow for Senior Government Reshuffle in Iraq, Including Directors General and Deputy Ministers

An informed source revealed on Tuesday that a number of senior officials and directors general across Iraqi ministries and state institutions have remained in their positions for more than four years, prompting calls to review these appointments in line with applicable laws and regulations governing administrative rotation and transfers.

The source said the coming period requires serious action by the Council of Representatives, relevant political forces, and the government to activate the rotation of senior positions and introduce administrative changes involving directors general and deputy ministers. The proposed measures aim to improve institutional efficiency and renew administrative practices across government institutions.

The source added that completing the formation of the new government presents an opportunity to reassess senior leadership positions and appoint individuals with the necessary competence, experience, integrity, and ability to improve administrative performance. The aim is to prevent officials from remaining in the same positions for extended periods without review and to improve public services.

The source also stressed that rotating senior positions and promoting the principle of sharing responsibilities could bring fresh talent into state institutions and support administrative reform and development, provided all measures comply with applicable laws and regulations and serve the public interest.

The calls come after Iraq’s Council of Representatives voted on Thursday, October 15, to approve three deputy prime ministers for Ali al-Zaidi, along with 11 nominees for vacant ministerial positions, including a minister of state, with the Ministry of Migration excluded.