Latest news with #al-Mashhadani
Shafaq News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi PM's bloc meets Parliament Speaker after session disruption
Shafaq News – Baghdad On Monday, Iraq's Reconstruction and Development Bloc (Al-Aamar wal-Tanmia), led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, met with Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani to address the tensions and confrontations that disrupted the day's parliamentary session. Speaking to Shafaq News, Firas Al-Muslamawi described the incident as 'unprecedented,' attributing shared responsibility to the parliamentary leadership. He also indicated that the meeting centered on restoring order and pushing ahead with legislative work. 'Maintaining regular sessions and moving forward with key priorities is vital. Our focus is on resolving disputes and ensuring institutional responsibility,' he added. The exchange followed a dispute that erupted during a phone call between al-Mashhadani and First Deputy Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi. The disagreement was triggered by remarks concerning the Service and Retirement Law for Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) personnel, along with other unresolved bills. Tensions escalated when al-Mandalawi later entered the speaker's office to pursue the discussion. A second altercation broke out inside the Council of Representatives chamber involving al-Mashhadani, al-Mandalawi, and members of the Coordination Framework, prompting the postponement of the day's session.
Shafaq News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi Sunni MPs to address Parliament Speaker clash
Shafaq News - Baghdad Iraqi Sunni lawmakers will meet on Monday to issue a joint stance following a dispute between Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani and First Deputy Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi, a political source told Shafaq News. The source said the dispute began during a phone call and escalated when al-Mandalawi visited al-Mashhadani's office to continue the discussion. The disagreement centered on recent comments regarding the Service and Retirement Law for Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) members and other legislative issues. A second confrontation later occurred inside the Council of Representatives involving al-Mashhadani, al-Mandalawi, and members of the Shiite-led Coordination Framework, prompting the postponement of today's parliamentary session. In a televised interview aired earlier, al-Mashhadani warned of possible nationwide protests next month, suggesting that Iraq could move toward forming an emergency government if security conditions deteriorate. He also referred to messages from the United States urging the integration of PMF units into the official security forces, instead of restructuring the group. Independent MP Alaa al-Haidari criticized the remarks, calling for a public apology. He further described the statements as damaging to national identity, stressing that efforts to remove al-Mashhadani from office would begin if no apology is made.
Shafaq News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi Speaker faces ouster bid after Parliament clash
Shafaq News - Baghdad Iraq's Parliament postponed its session on Monday following a heated confrontation between Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, First Deputy Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi, and several members of the Coordination Framework, a ruling coalition of predominantly Shiite parties. A parliamentary source told Shafaq News that 180 lawmakers had gathered for the session, the second since the legislature resumed following the summer recess on July 9. Tensions escalated shortly after the meeting opened, sparked by backlash over recent televised remarks by al-Mashhadani warning of possible public unrest and the emergence of an emergency government. The dispute further intensified, prompting al-Mashhadani to leave the chamber and leading to the indefinite suspension of the session. In the aftermath, lawmakers convened in the parliamentary cafeteria to discuss collecting signatures for a petition to remove the speaker from office. The move would not be unprecedented; former Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi was previously removed from his post following corruption-related accusations. Al-Mashhadani's comments, made during a Sunday appearance on Dijla TV, appeared to trigger the dispute. 'Any collapse in Baghdad would immediately ripple across other provinces. Demonstrations could erupt next month, and the country could be forced into an emergency option,' he warned. He also addressed the stalled legislation concerning the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), attributing the delay to external pressure. Al-Mashhadani claimed that the United States had blocked the bill from advancing in Parliament, expressing strong opposition to any effort to restructure the PMF.
Shafaq News
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq Parliament reconvenes for critical final term
Shafaq News - Baghdad On Tuesday, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani urged all lawmakers to resume attendance as the final term of the current parliamentary cycle begins. Addressing political blocs, their leaders, members, and independent deputies, al-Mashhadani emphasized the urgent need for unity and cooperation. 'It is our national duty to work together and ensure the passage of important laws that serve the interests of the Iraqi people,' he noted, stressing the importance of a stable legislative process during this critical phase. He also called on lawmakers to prioritize the country's broader interests, setting aside political differences to support Iraq's democratic path ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, 2025. Earlier today, a parliamentary source informed Shafaq News that the Council of Representatives plans to hold its next session on Saturday, July 12, marking the start of the final legislative term. The source also added that this session follows the end of the parliamentary recess on Wednesday, July 9, with lawmakers expected to pass several key laws, including securing a quorum to vote on repealing the Khor Abdullah agreement.
Shafaq News
06-07-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Kurdistan salary standoff: Leader Barzani, Iraq Speaker back joint federal proposal
Shafaq News – Erbil On Sunday, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani and Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani endorsed a joint initiative with Baghdad to resolve the Kurdistan Region's protracted salary crisis. The meeting, held in Salahuddin Resort, focused on salary delays and fiscal disputes between the federal and regional governments, according to a statement from al-Mashhadani's office. Barzani expressed confidence in the Parliament's ability to intervene effectively and called for immediate, practical efforts to address the impasse. Meanwhile, al-Mashhadani emphasized that salaries must be insulated from political disputes, describing the issue as a national obligation and a humanitarian priority. Both sides agreed to push for concrete proposals from Erbil and Baghdad going forward, urging joint review and implementation to prevent further disruption to public-sector pay. Baghdad and Erbil have long been at odds over oil revenue management. While the Kurdistan Region previously exported crude independently, recent legal and financial pressures have pushed it to coordinate more closely with the federal government, particularly through Iraq's state-run oil marketing company, SOMO.
