Latest news with #JawadAl-Yasari
Shafaq News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Mounting challenges divides Iraqi Parliament ahead of return
Shafaq News/ The Iraqi parliament is expected to reconvene after its legislative recess to address mounting challenges, including unresolved budget issues and political gridlock, MP Jawad Al-Yasari told Shafaq News on Friday. Al-Yasari affirmed that the parliamentary sessions were paralyzed by political blocs before the recess, which began on May 9 and will last 30 days. 'Some party leaders instructed their members not to attend unless certain laws were included on the agenda, which is within their right,' he indicated. The MP explained that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law was a major source of the disruption, adding that there was infighting among Shiite factions. 'Some pushed for the law to honor the PMF's sacrifices and protect their rights, while others opposed it to prevent PMF commanders, many of whom are elderly, from being subject to retirement regulations.' 'There are many pressing issues requiring the parliament to resume its work, despite political parties being preoccupied with preparing electoral lists and forming alliances ahead of the November legislative elections,' Al-Yasari noted. On May 5, parliament failed to hold a scheduled session due to lack of quorum—an issue that has persisted for months. The Iraqi parliament has convened only 132 times since the start of its current term in January 2022—just 51% of the 256 sessions required by its internal rules. The legislative calendar mandates eight sessions per month over four-month terms.
Shafaq News
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Political rifts over PMF law stall Iraqi legislature
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Parliament remains paralyzed as disputes over the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement Law deepen political divisions, fueling concerns of prolonged legislative stagnation. Lawmakers have boycotted multiple sessions, preventing quorum and delaying key decisions. Independent MP Jawad Al-Yasari told Shafaq News that parliament may not convene due to the ongoing boycott by the majority of lawmakers protesting the exclusion of the PMF law from the agenda. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani withdrew the bill amid this deadlock, a source within the Coordination Framework revealed on Tuesday to 'ease tensions and prevent further disruptions,' as disputes over the bill had become a major political sticking point. The primary disagreement within the Coordination Framework centers on the retirement age provision, which remains unresolved despite repeated discussions. With repeated failures to meet quorum, parliament remains in a legislative deadlock. Independent MP Hussein Al-Sabri told Shafaq News on Sunday, 'If the impasse continues, dissolving parliament and calling for early elections may become the only way forward.'
Shafaq News
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq parliament stalemate deepens over PMF Law dispute
Shafaq News / The Iraqi Parliament remains paralyzed as lawmakers continue their boycott, including today's session, over the exclusion of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement Law from the agenda, lawmaker Jawad Al-Yasari said on Tuesday. Al-Yasari told Shafaq News that the Shiite Coordination Framework—the main backer of the bill —has led the boycott, repeatedly preventing sessions from being held. 'With ongoing political disputes, it is unlikely that parliament will reconvene during Ramadan. Sessions may remain suspended until after Eid al-Fitr, depending on a political agreement on the PMF law,' he said. Since the start of 2025, the Iraqi Parliament has struggled to hold sessions due to a lack of quorum and political boycotts, leaving legislative work in limbo. The legislative deadlock has prompted calls for early elections and the dissolution of parliament.
