Qusay al-Suhail. (File photo: AFP)
The Iraqi forces bloc removed on Monday Qusay al-Suhair’s candidacy as prime minister, according to a statement issued by the Council of Representatives.
“Nominating Qusay al-Suhail does not match the phase’s requirements and has not been agreed upon by the majority of the forces,” the statement said.
“The Iraqi forces bloc will only support a candidate who has popularity among the people matched with that among politicians so that he will be able to run the country in such a sensitive time,” the statement added.
Iraqis took to the streets in recent days to express their rejection of Qusay al-Suhail’s candidacy, chanting songs against Iran and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qassem Soleimani.
Officials say neighbor Iran, a key player in Iraqi politics, wants to install al-Suhail, who served as education minister in the government of Adel Abdel Mahdi, who tendered his administration's resignation in November.
