Latest news with #FalehAl-Fayyad
Shafaq News
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Faleh Al-Fayyad: Iraq to pass new PMF Law as part of force restructuring
Shafaq News/ The head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Faleh Al-Fayyad, announced on Thursday that the Iraqi Parliament will soon pass the Administrative Structure Law. Speaking at a ceremony honoring PMF officers, Al-Fayyad praised the law, describing it as 'a new step toward rebuilding the PMF along updated frameworks that strengthen the authority's presence and establish it as a disciplined and accountable institution.' He further revealed that the draft law currently under review in Parliament includes the creation of a dedicated PMF Academy. 'This academy is expected to consist of military and technical colleges, as well as departments for leadership, strategic studies, and the humanities.' Al-Fayyad's remarks come amid ongoing parliamentary debate surrounding two separate PMF-related laws that have faced repeated delays due to internal political disputes and unresolved leadership issues. The first draft law, known as the PMF Administrative Structure Law, outlines the legal framework governing the PMF's internal operations, personnel duties, and institutional rights. Initially passed as Law No. 40 of 2016, the law includes 17 articles addressing organizational structure, the creation of new directorates, and legal hierarchies. Parliament completed a first reading, and according to sources, a second reading and possible approval are expected soon. The second and more controversial draft, the PMF Service and Retirement Law, contains over 86 articles covering a wide range of personnel rights, including those of PMF martyrs, wounded members, missing individuals, and brigade commanders. The draft has become a political flashpoint due to a contentious provision that sets a mandatory retirement age for PMF commanders. This provision could significantly impact over 4,000 PMF members, including senior leadership figures and, notably, Al-Fayyad himself—a prominent Shiite figure who has already surpassed the legal age for holding a ministerial post. The absence of a clear successor has further fueled the controversy, stalling the bill's progress in Parliament. International concern has also emerged over the legislation. A recent analysis from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy urged the US administration under former President Donald Trump to 'quietly but firmly signal Baghdad that enshrining the militia umbrella group as a de facto Iraqi IRGC would pose an unacceptable threat to U.S. interests.' In his speech, Al-Fayyad rejected such claims, stating, 'Our enemies have attempted to depict the PMF as a rogue or separate force, but that is simply not true. We are an official entity operating under the authority of the Commander-in-Chief (PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani).'
Shafaq News
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq parliament: PMF law splits vote before session
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Parliament remains deadlocked over the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Law, with political divisions persisting ahead of Monday's scheduled session. The draft legislation includes disputed provisions on the retirement of more than 3,500 PMF commanders, including the PMF's head Faleh Al-Fayyad, who has exceeded the legal age for ministerial roles. MP Thaer Mukhyaf said recent political understandings have paved the way for passage. 'There is consensus among blocs to move forward,' he told Shafaq News, noting that prior objections were rooted in concerns over electoral advantage. According to Mukhyaf, the government revised the draft to align with legislative standards while preserving the rights of PMF personnel. 'Most legal disputes have been resolved,' he stated, referring to retirement entitlements for brigade commanders and members. A Coordination Framework source, however, ruled out a vote next week, citing a prior agreement to delay major votes during the holy month of Ramadan, ongoing religious observances by Sunni MPs, and the absence of Kurdish lawmakers due to Nowruz holidays. 'The item listed on Monday's agenda addresses internal restructuring within the PMF, not the Service and Retirement Law,' the source clarified, pointing out that proposals on retirement age had been formulated to protect their rights while enabling institutional reform. The source also confirmed that the Coordination Framework will convene after Eid al-Fitr to finalize revisions and unify positions with the State Administration Coalition on broader legislative priorities.
Shafaq News
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Leader Barzani, PMF chief discuss political, security developments
Shafaq News/ Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Leader Masoud Barzani met on Sunday with Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) chief Faleh Al-Fayyad to discuss political and security developments in Iraq and the region. A statement from Barzani's office said the meeting, held in Salahuddin resort in Erbil, addressed political and security issues, focusing on relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government in Baghdad. The visit coincides with the Iraqi parliament's efforts to pass the PMF Service and Retirement Law, which, if approved, would require Al-Fayyad to retire as he has reached the legal retirement age. Sources told Shafaq News that the Shiite Coordination Framework leaders have agreed to replace several heads of commissions and institutions in line with the current political agenda, with State of Law Coalition leader Nouri Al-Maliki actively pushing for a candidate of his own to lead the PMF. Fayyad has led the PMF since 2015 after being appointed by then-Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi. Before that, he held several security positions, including Iraq's National Security Adviser.
Shafaq News
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Fayyad is not dismissed as PMF's head, Al-Ameri clarifies
Shafaq News/ The Secretary-General of Badr Organization, Hadi Al-Ameri, denied on Wednesday, that the Coordination Framework had made any decision regarding the dismissal of Faleh A-Fayyad as head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). In a statement, Al-Ameri indicated that "the leaders of the Coordination Framework did not meet and did not make such a decision." Meanwhile, an informed source told Shafaq News Agency that there is an agreement among the leaders of the Coordination Framework to replace several heads of government agencies and institutions in line with the current political phase and government program. According to the source, Faleh Al-Fayyad, the head of the PMF, will be replaced, with one from several alternative candidates nominated, including leaders from the Daawa Party, a leader from an armed faction, and a political figure from the Coordination Framework, to manage the PMF. The source also noted that Nouri Al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, is "actively" working to nominate his own candidate for the PMF leadership. Faleh Al-Fayyad took over as head of the PMF in 2015 after being appointed by then-Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi. His appointment followed a series of security-related positions, including serving as Iraq's National Security Advisor.
