Progress hints at non-participation in a government led by “sectarian divisive figures”.
Progress hints at non-participation in a government led by “sectarian divisive figures”.
2026-01-27 03:44
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The “Progress” party, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, threatened on Tuesday not to participate in any government led by those he described as “figures who bring Iraqis back to the memory of sectarian conflicts,” in an indirect reference to the prime ministerial candidate Nouri al-Maliki.
The party stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that it held a meeting today, chaired by Al-Halbousi and attended by party leaders and members of the parliamentary bloc, during which the attendees emphasized their constant concern for the stability of the country and the continuation of positive steps in strengthening security, the unity of the social fabric, and prioritizing the national interest.
The statement added that the attendees affirmed their firm position of not supporting or participating in a government led by figures who “bring Iraqis back to the memory of sectarian conflicts and foster extremism, terrorism, recurring crises, and international and Arab isolation.”
He pointed out that the Progress Party called on the leaders of the Coordination Framework to accept national and commit to this basic principle, and that the leadership of the next government should be effective at the national level through its support from the political and social components, and in keeping with the requirements of the critical and sensitive stage that the region and the world are going through.
The party stressed the importance of the next government being open to the regional and Arab environment, and working to strengthen relations with the international community to confront risks and find effective solutions to economic and financial challenges.
The statement stressed that the party continues its approach of supporting political stability and strengthening national understandings, in order to achieve the interest of Iraq and its people.
The Sunni National Political Council had previously announced its rejection of Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination for a third term as head of government, with the exception of the Azm and Sovereignty alliances, which supported the nomination amid political activity indicating that passing the nomination requires broad consensus.
shafaq.com
