Maliki wants to downsize government

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Thursday he wanted to shrink his government and fire weak ministers to meet protesters' demands for improved government services. In a final evaluation of his fragile government coalition following the passing of a 100-day deadline to improve performance, Maliki said most ministries had performed well, but weaker ones needed to be eliminated, and called on political blocs to support him.
"The shrinking of the government and all unnecessary and honorary posts at the state has become an urgent necessity," Maliki said in a speech broadcast on state television. In late February, Maliki told his ministers they had 100 days to step up reforms or face the sack.