The era of old agreements is over… Disputes dash the hopes of Halbousi and Sudani for a return to the fold.
The era of old agreements is over… Disputes dash the hopes of Halbousi and Sudani for a return to the fold.
12-15-2025
Information/Report..
Recent political developments in Iraq indicate that the chances of both former Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi and current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani returning to leadership positions in the next phase have decreased, given the changing political balances and escalating internal disputes among the main political forces.
Since the formation of the current government, the political process in Iraq has been based on the principle of consensus among the major political components of Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds, which has enabled many leaders to assume key positions.
However, the continued presence of some figures in the same positions for long periods has begun to provoke internal disputes and popular sensitivities, especially after the legal and political issues that have stirred controversy in the Iraqi parliament and on the Iraqi street.
Despite Halbousi’s previous attempts to return to the speakership of parliament, political sources indicate that his chances are now very limited. His removal from his position and parliamentary membership in November 2023 on charges of forgery has significantly diminished his prospects. Furthermore, deep divisions within the Sunni bloc regarding renewing his term, coupled with reservations from the Kurdish and Shia blocs, make a return to the speakership a difficult and unacceptable move for most political forces.
In this context, Muhammad al-Fahdawi, a leader in the United Anbar Alliance, told Al-Maalomah that “Al-Halbousi’s insistence on returning to the presidency of Parliament has become unacceptable to the majority of Sunni forces.”
In this context, former MP, Mu’in al-Kadhimi, confirmed to Al-Ma’louma that the objection to his nomination includes the Sunni component and the national space, and that the Kurdistan Democratic Party does not want to support him again.
As for the head of government, estimates indicate that Sudani’s chances of renewing his term are very slim, amid a trend within the coordinating framework to choose a new figure for the position.
Imran Al-Karkoushi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, explained to Al-Maalouma that the chances of Al-Sudani remaining in office do not exceed one percent in light of the new political balances and the rise of influential parliamentary forces, noting that his participation in the electoral process has raised sensitivities among some forces, which has prompted them to reconsider supporting his candidacy.
Iraq is witnessing a new political phase that leans towards changing the current leadership in parliament and the government, driven by the desire of major powers to endorse consensus candidates in order to reduce political friction and restore balance among the various groups.
almaalomah.me
