The Iraqi parliament on Sunday approved the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, as demonstrations continue in the country, reprted Iraqi official television.

Parliament opened its session on Sunday afternoon and within minutes had approved Abdel Mahdi's resignation, which according to the constitution, renders him and the entire cabinet a "caretaker government."

"The president of Iraq will be informed to nominate a new prime minister in accordance with the constitution's Article 76," said Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi.

The premier said Friday he would submit his resignation to parliament after a dramatic intervention by the country's Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani following a spree of violence. 

Read more:

Iraqi prime minister to resign following months-long protests

Iraq protesters burn shrine entrance in Najaf, PM quitting 'not enough'

The unrest, which has killed more than 400 people, mostly demonstrators, amounts to the biggest challenge for Iraq since ISIL insurgents seized vast swathes of Iraqi and Syrian territory in 2014.

Protesters accuse the entire ruling elite of being inept, corrupt and beholden to foreign powers especially Iran, with protesters last week burning down an Iranian consulate.

(With input from wires)

(Cover: Adil Abd al Mahdi Prime Minister of Iraq meets the press when visiting to Germany in Berlin, April 30, 2019. /VCG Photo)