US EditionIraq’s Parliament Elects a New Speaker to Face Political and Financial Challenges
Haibet Al-Halbousi won 208 of 309 votes to lead amid debates on formalizing militias and managing Iraq’s tens of billions in public debt and corruption.
- On Dec. 29, Iraq's parliament elected Sunni lawmaker Haibat al-Halbousi as speaker after overnight talks, securing 208 votes from 309 members present.
- Following the November 11 vote, which left no clear majority, the Council of Representatives of Iraq began the government formation process under the muhasasa power‑sharing system amid judicial calls to respect the Iraqi constitution.
- Domestically, al-Halbousi confronts a contested Hashd al-Shaabi bill, Iraq's public debt of tens of billions, widespread corruption, and Iran-backed armed groups' growing political influence.
- The speaker's election immediately begins the process for the President of Iraq to task the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a government, but analysts warn it may take more than 300 days as in 2021.
- With Iran-aligned lawmakers on the rise, the Shia Coordination Framework must decide whether to back incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani amid a surge from 17 seats in 2021 to 80–90 now.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Halbousi elected to steer Iraq’s fragile new parliament
NEWS BRIEF Iraq’s parliament elected veteran Sunni politician Haibat al-Halbousi as speaker in its first post-election session, marking the start of a fragile and often protracted government formation process. Halbousi’s election, backed by 208 votes, positions him as a key mediator in a fractured political landscape as Iraq balances U.S. and Iranian influence and grapples […] The post Halbousi elected to steer Iraq’s fragile new parliament appe…
Iraq Elects New Speaker Amid Political Tensions
Iraq's parliament has elected Haibet Al-Halbousi as the new speaker, aiming to break the political deadlock following inconclusive elections. Key tasks include addressing a controversial bill involving Iran-backed militias and tackling Iraq's significant public debt and corruption challenges.
Iraq parliament elects Halbousi as speaker in first post-election session
BAGHDAD, Dec 29 - Iraq's parliament elected Sunni Muslim lawmaker Haibat al-Halbousi as speaker at its opening session on Monday following November's national election, launching a process to form a new government that often takes months. Read more at straitstimes.com.
National Political Council majority endorses Haibet al-Halbousi for Iraq’s Speaker
Shafaq News– Baghdad The Sunni National Political Council (NPC) on Sunday agreed to nominate MP Haibet al-Halbousi for the post of Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, following consultations among Sun
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