Friday, February 13, 2026
“OUTSIDE THE CONSTITUTION”: AN EXPERT REFUTES THE PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE CARETAKER GOVERNMENT
“OUTSIDE THE CONSTITUTION”: AN EXPERT REFUTES THE PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE CARETAKER GOVERNMENT.
A legal expert confirmed on Thursday that the 2005 Iraqi constitution contains no provision allowing the extension of a caretaker government, considering any attempt in this direction to be a departure from the principle of the rotation of power.
Earlier, a source within the coordination framework revealed to Shafaq News Agency that caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had received a proposal to extend his government’s term for one year with specific powers, with the aim of finding a way out of the political deadlock.
According to the source, the proposal will be discussed with the framework leaders in upcoming meetings, amid expectations of differing positions between those who support and those who reject it.
Legal expert Salem Hawas told Shafaq News Agency that “the constitution is completely devoid of any provision that permits the extension of a caretaker government,” explaining that this government is “temporary and restricted by necessity and does not have full authority,” and that its continuation is “exclusively linked to the completion of constitutional requirements, not to political agreements or circumstantial desires.”
He added that “the House of Representatives does not have the authority to extend the term of the executive authority beyond the constitutional terms, because that would be considered an indirect amendment to the constitution,” noting that “the President of the Republic cannot create a term not stipulated, and the Council of Ministers does not extend its own term.”
He added that “the Federal Supreme Court’s role is interpretive and supervisory, not constructive, and it does not have the power to create a new mandate.”
Hawas stressed that “any extension means the continuation of a government with limited powers, which keeps essential decisions, appointments and major contracts subject to constitutional challenge,” stressing that “turning a temporary necessity into a permanent reality deepens the vacuum and does not solve it, and directly clashes with the principle of the rotation of power within specific periods that do not accept disruption or circumvention.”
Al-Sudani had resigned last Sunday (February 8) from his membership in the House of Representatives, after winning the last parliamentary elections that took place in October 2025, and obtaining more than 92,000 votes personally, while his alliance as a whole achieved more than 400,000 votes, with 46 seats.
Al-Maliki reiterated his commitment to running for the position of Prime Minister in the next government, despite American rejection of this, stressing that the selection of the Prime Minister is a national matter subject to the will of the people and constitutional institutions.
It is worth noting that the US State Department revealed to Shafaq News Agency last Thursday a firm and strongly worded stance regarding the upcoming political alliances map in Iraq, stressing that the US administration is prepared to use “a full range of tools” to ensure the implementation of President Donald Trump’s vision regarding the Iraqi file and to prevent Maliki from running for the position of Prime Minister of Iraq.
As reported by Bloomberg News last Tuesday, Washington informed Iraqi officials in recent days that it might reduce Iraq’s access to oil export revenues if Nouri al-Maliki is appointed prime minister, given the United States’ view of him as being close to Iran, which has increased the pressure on the coordination framework, according to observers.
DINAR REVALUATION INSIGHTS: ๐งจ Iraq’s Maliki Standoff: Three Exits, No Easy Way Out
๐งจ Iraq’s Maliki Standoff: Three Exits, No Easy Way Out
Iraq continues to face a deep political deadlock over whether former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki returns to power.
This deadlock has blocked essential decisions, including the election of a president, leaving the country in a fragile state both politically and economically.
The Political Deadlock Explained
Maliki’s nomination has intensified divisions within the Shiite Coordination Framework and created tension with Washington. U.S. officials have warned that support may be withdrawn if Maliki assumes power.
Three potential paths are under discussion:
Persuade Maliki to withdraw in favor of a compromise candidate.
Push ahead with Maliki despite opposition (unlikely to secure enough votes).
Extend the caretaker government while negotiations continue.
Implications: The longer the deadlock persists, the deeper Iraq’s political paralysis becomes — risking diplomatic, economic, and governance instability.
๐ฌ Masrour Barzani Praises CBI Banking Reforms
Meanwhile, Masrour Barzani has publicly commended Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, for efforts to modernize Iraq’s banking sector.
Key highlights include:
Expansion of digital finance
Reduced reliance on cash
Increased transparency and efficiency
Strengthening public trust in the financial system
Barzani emphasized cooperation between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region to implement these reforms effectively, signaling progress in Iraq’s financial modernization despite political deadlock.
๐ MNT GOAT Analysis: Is Maliki Blocking Iraq’s Future?
MNT GOAT continues to highlight that the stalemate is largely tied to Maliki’s nomination, which has frozen the government formation process.
Key insights:
Signals suggest Maliki may be pushed toward withdrawing.
This could allow Parliament to elect a president and restart the government formation process.
Once the presidential election is certified, the largest bloc’s nominee — likely Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani — may move forward to form a new government.
The broader narrative often links this potential breakthrough to geopolitical shifts, including reduced Iranian influence and external pressure to unblock Iraq’s political future.
Why This Matters for Iraq
Political Deadlock: Prevents decision-making and delays reform initiatives.
Economic Risk: Stalled government formation can impact budgets, currency stability, and foreign investment.
Banking Reform: Positive signals from the CBI and Kurdistan cooperation show that financial modernization continues even amid political uncertainty.
Political Deadlock: Prevents decision-making and delays reform initiatives.
Economic Risk: Stalled government formation can impact budgets, currency stability, and foreign investment.
Banking Reform: Positive signals from the CBI and Kurdistan cooperation show that financial modernization continues even amid political uncertainty.
Q&A Section (SEO Optimized for Featured Snippets)
❓ What is causing Iraq’s political deadlock?
The nomination of Nouri al-Maliki for prime minister has divided the Shiite Coordination Framework and blocked presidential election and government formation.
❓ What are the possible paths to resolve the deadlock?
Maliki withdraws in favor of a compromise candidate.
Proceed with Maliki despite opposition.
Extend the caretaker government while talks continue.
Maliki withdraws in favor of a compromise candidate.
Proceed with Maliki despite opposition.
Extend the caretaker government while talks continue.
❓ How is the banking system improving despite political issues?
Masrour Barzani praised the CBI under Ali Al-Alaq for digital finance expansion, reduced cash reliance, and greater transparency.
❓ What could happen after a Maliki withdrawal?
Parliament could elect a president, allowing the largest bloc’s nominee (likely Mohammed Shia al-Sudani) to form a government, potentially stabilizing political and economic conditions.
Featured Snippet Summary
Iraq remains deadlocked over Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination.
Three exit strategies are being considered to resolve the standoff.
Masrour Barzani praised CBI Governor Ali Al-Alaq for banking modernization.
MNT GOAT suggests Maliki may withdraw, clearing the way for government formation.
Progress in digital finance and transparency continues despite political paralysis.
Iraq remains deadlocked over Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination.
Three exit strategies are being considered to resolve the standoff.
Masrour Barzani praised CBI Governor Ali Al-Alaq for banking modernization.
MNT GOAT suggests Maliki may withdraw, clearing the way for government formation.
Progress in digital finance and transparency continues despite political paralysis.
Stay Informed on Iraq Dinar & Political Developments
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๐งจ IRAQ’S MALIKI STANDOFF: THREE EXITS, NO EASY WAY OUT
Iraq remains stuck in a deep political deadlock over whether former PM Nouri al‑Maliki returns to power, blocking key decisions like electing a president.
Maliki’s nomination has sharpened divisions inside the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework and put Iraq in a standoff with Washington, which has warned it may withdraw support if he returns.
Three possible paths out are discussed:
Persuading Maliki to withdraw for a compromise figure.
Pushing ahead with him despite opposition (unlikely to get enough votes).
Extending the caretaker government while talks continue.
The longer this continues, the more Iraq’s political paralysis deepens, with real diplomatic and economic risks if unresolved.
๐ฌ MASROUR BARZANI PRAISES AL‑ALAQ’S MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE BANKING SYSTEM IN IRAQ
While I didn’t find the exact blog text online, related reporting shows the general theme:
Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, publicly praised the efforts of Ali Mohsen Al‑Alaq, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, to reform and modernize Iraq’s banking system.
Discussions focused on expanding digital finance, reducing reliance on cash, and boosting transparency and economic efficiency.
Barzani reaffirmed commitment to digital payment systems and financial reform, welcoming the Central Bank’s role in strengthening the sector and restoring public trust.
They emphasized cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad to implement these reforms effectively.
๐ MNT GOAT: Is Nouri al‑Maliki’s Return Blocking Iraq’s Future?
This aligns with a recurring MNT GOAT theme from similar posts on that blog:
Iraq’s political stalemate is being blamed on Nouri al‑Maliki’s nomination, which has frozen the government‑formation process.
According to MNT GOAT analyses, recent signals suggest Maliki is being pushed toward withdrawing his nomination, clearing the way for Parliament to elect a president and restart governance.
Once the presidential election is certified, the largest bloc’s nominee (likely Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani) may move forward to form a government.
The narrative often links this political breakthrough to broader geopolitical shifts, including reduced Iranian influence and pressure from external actors to unblock Iraq’s political future.
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