Baghdad: First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Adnan Faihan confirmed that the delay in completing the cabinet is linked to several factors, including entitlements. During his participation in the Eighth Baghdad Dialogue Conference, he stated that the Ministry of Interior has not yet been finalized, noting that there is a Kurdish-Kurdish disagreement regarding the appointment of the Deputy Prime Minister and the ministerial portfolios.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Faihan highlighted a general trend toward completing the cabinet, including Laith al-Khazali for the position of Deputy Prime Minister, and they expect it to reach Parliament soon for a vote. He mentioned external objections to the nomination of Laith al-Khazali and the proposal of another candidate to resolve the crisis, asserting that the Sadiqun bloc will not back down on their candidate. Faihan emphasized the bloc’s stance that the remaining cabinet must be presented in full at once with nine ministers, or they will not vote.
Faihan assured there is no internal conflict, such as a Shia-Shia or Sunni-Shia war, attributing this to the wisdom and awareness of the factions involved. He acknowledged the efforts of leaders like al-Amiri, al-Sudani, and al-Maliki, who are working to bridge viewpoints between the factions and the Prime Minister, stressing the importance of Iraq’s sovereignty and the organization of state affairs.
He also addressed the prevention of enacting certain laws by political forces with vested interests, specifically mentioning the Popular Mobilization Forces’ service and retirement law. Faihan indicated an agreement with the Prime Minister to send this law to Parliament, expressing confidence in its approval upon arrival.
The delay in approving the general budgets in the House of Representatives was attributed to disagreements among representatives, who wish to add allocations for projects in their governorates. Faihan clarified that the issue with the region is not about salaries and revenues but is a deeper matter unrelated to the budget, emphasizing the constitutional nature of border crossing management under federal authority.
He also mentioned the importance of localizing salaries for the region’s employees according to specific criteria and population ratios. Faihan pointed out that none of the provisions concerning the region and federal government in the three-year budget have been implemented.
In conclusion, Faihan emphasized the role of the House of Representatives in monitoring government performance, stating that parliamentary questions and interrogations are part of their duties and not a conflict with the government.