By John Lee.

As part of his recently-announced reform programme, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has ordered the immediate reduction in the number of ministers from 33 to 22:

In a statement on Sunday, the Prime Minister said that he has:

• Abolished the posts of Deputy Prime Minister.
• Abolished the following ministerial positions:
  • Ministry of Human Rights;
  • Ministry of State for Women’s Affairs;
  • Ministry of State for Provincial and Parliamentary Affairs;
  • Ministry of State;
• Restructured the following ministries by:
  • Integrating the Ministry of Science and Technology with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research;
  • Integrating the Ministry of Environment with the Ministry of Health;
  • Integrating the Ministry of Municipalities and the Ministry of Construction and Housing;
  • Integrating the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities with the Ministry of Culture.

(Source: Office of the Prime Minister)