Criticism by Iraqi Finance Minister Ali Abdul-Amir Allawi against Sadrist movement leader cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and Deputy parliament Speaker Hakim al-Zamili has sparked wide debate in the country.
It marked the first time a minister openly criticizes Sadr, who enjoys a very loyal support base in the millions in Baghdad and other Iraqi regions. He also holds the parliamentary majority, with 73 lawmakers.
