Hours after he was dismissed by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi as national security adviser and as chairman of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Falih Alfayyadh responded Friday to his partner in Iraq’s al-Nasr alliance by announcing his candidacy for the premiership.
A statement issued Friday by several members of the PM’s electoral list said: “We as major figures in al-Nasr alliance announce the nomination of Falih Alfayyadh as prime minister for believing in his ability to implement a government program that meets the expectations of citizens.”
On Thursday, Abadi issued a decree dismissing Alfayyadh.
Head of the Iraqi center for media development Dr. Adnan Sarraj told Asharq Al-Awsat on Friday that Abadi’s decision “is very normal.”
“When Alfayyadh decided to get involved in the world of politics, he should have known that duality in security missions and political activities contradicts the Iraqi Constitution.”
The development also comes hours after al-Fath alliance, affiliated to the Popular Mobilization Forces, issued a statement on Alfayyadh’s dismissal, describing the decision as illegal and saying it comes as a result of his refusal to support Abadi's attempt to clinch a second term in office.
The alliance also said that Abadi’s decision creates a dangerous situation.
