Iraqi PM Rejects Resignation of Key Ministers: A Political Chess Game, 21 nov

 Iraqi PM Rejects Resignation of Key Ministers: A Political Chess Game

Three ministers from the Taqadum party, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, a prominent Iraqi politician, have tendered their resignations. However, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani has rejected the resignations, marking a significant development in Iraq’s political landscape. The ministers in question, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning Mohammed Tamim, Minister of Industry and Minerals Kahlid Battal Najam, and Minister of Culture Ahmed Al Badrani, hold key positions within the government.

Resignations Over Court Decision

The trio’s resignations followed the Supreme Federal Court’s decision last week to dismiss Parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Al Halbousi over forgery charges. Al Halbousi has been embroiled in a legal battle with Sunni legislator Laith Al Dulaimi, who accused him of forging his signature on a resignation letter. The court also removed Al Dulaimi as an MP, prompting the ministers linked to Al Halbousi’s Taqadum party to tender their resignations.

Government’s Stand

Al Sudani rejected the ministers’ resignations to “underline the government’s commitment to ensuring political representation for all components of the people”. Al Sudani’s statement indicated that all three “will immediately resume their duties”. This refusal could be seen as an attempt to maintain governmental stability or a negotiation tactic within the political framework of Iraq.

Reaction and Implications

In response to Al Halbousi’s dismissal, Taqadum announced that its ministers of planning, industry, and culture would resign, while its MPs on parliamentary committees would sit out of parliamentary sessions and boycott political meetings with other parties. This could have important implications for the political stability in Iraq. Al Halbousi challenged his dismissal, arguing that the Federal Court’s jurisdiction does not extend to the validity of parliamentary membership. However, the largest Shiite parliamentary bloc and prominent Sunni parties have backed the court’s decision, adding further complexity to the situation. The refusal to accept these resignations and the potential impact on the government’s stability are central to the unfolding story.

https://bnn.network/politics/iraqi-pm-rejects-resignation-of-key-ministers-a-political-chess-game/