“The cabinet will be far from the influence of the political parties and will serve the people of Iraq,” Allawi said in a televised address, promising to restore the authority and prestige of the state.

According to NRT he also praised protesters for their determination in bringing about “a new stage in the history of Iraq,” adding that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

Allawi said that his government would make it a priority to investigate the violence against both protesters and members of the security forces and would bring the perpetrators to justice. Additionally, he said that he would release the peaceful protesters still being detained.

“There are people who want the crisis in Iraq to continue and for the situation not to calm down, but I promise to put the saboteurs and those who hurt the demonstrators in front of the court,” he said.

Addressing the fundamental demands of the protesters, Allawi said that the government would present a government program that would raise living standards and enable internally displaced persons to return to their homes.

Baghdad and the southern provinces have been rocked by nearly five months of protests against the government calling for fundamental changes in governance and early elections.

More than 500 people have been killed in the crackdown and approximately 17,000 others injured.

The protests forced the resignation of Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi, who has continued as a caretaker since early December with the parties unable to agree for weeks on a replacement.

Allawi was named as prime minister-designate on February 1, 2020 after gaining the support of the two largest parties in the Council of Representatives, Sairoon and Fateh.

Reporter’s code: 50101