Parliamentary Law: Upcoming Legislation in the Next Term
On Wednesday, the Parliamentary Legal Committee outlined the key laws poised for enactment in the upcoming legislative term, with drug and pharmaceutical laws taking precedence.
Committee member Raed al-Maliki informed the Maalouma Agency, “Several crucial laws are awaiting passage in the next legislative term, prominently including drug, landlord, and intelligence laws.”
Al-Maliki emphasized that “service and economic laws will also be brought to the fore. Numerous proposals from representatives are set to be included on the Council’s agenda in the next term.”
He added, “There is a strong desire to pass the service and retirement law for members of the Popular Mobilization Forces, along with amendments to the Personal Status Law.”
Southern Anger Escalates: Protests and Government Headquarters Closures
Several Iraqi governorates experienced widespread demonstrations on Wednesday morning, with citizens demanding essential services like water and electricity.
In Dhi Qar Governorate, protesters escalated their actions by closing the governorate’s office and council buildings until their demands are met, as captured in video footage obtained by Shafaq News Agency.
In Babylon, dozens of residents from the Khamisiyah and Al-Ghazali areas protested in front of the Babylon Governorate Office, demanding water provision amid unprecedented scarcity. This crisis has forced residents to leave their homes and devastated agricultural and livestock resources in southern Babil.
Baghdad saw two major demonstrations, one in Tahrir Square and another in front of the Provincial Council building. According to Shafaq News Agency, dozens of individuals whose appointments were canceled and Ministry of Defense deserters gathered in Tahrir Square to demand reinstatement. Simultaneously, educators and administrators protested near the Baghdad Provincial Council, calling for the issuance of their appointment orders.
Iraq has faced chronic electricity shortages for decades due to sanctions and wars, leading to ongoing protests, particularly during summers when temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celsius.
Al-Amiri Calls for Removal of Foreign Forces from Iraq
Baghdad – Hadi Al-Amiri, head of the Nabnani Alliance, during a meeting with French Ambassador Patrick Dorrell, stressed the necessity for international coalition forces to withdraw from Iraq.
A statement from Al-Amiri’s media office mentioned that the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the economic sector, following improvements in security and stability that could attract French companies to invest in Iraq.
The discussion also covered the presence of international coalition forces. Al-Amiri insisted on the complete withdrawal of these forces to ensure full national sovereignty. The meeting addressed the aggression in Gaza, with Al-Amiri urging a halt to Western support for what he described as Zionist massacres and the extermination war against the Palestinian people.
Key Disputes Hindering the Oil and Gas Law
Member of the Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee, Representative Ali Al-Mashkoor, highlighted seven contentious points between the region and the central government that hinder the legislation of the oil and gas law. These points are mainly administrative and technical.
Al-Mashkoor told the Maalouma Agency, “Dialogues between the center and the region on the oil and gas law continue through technical and administrative committees to review proposed law sections.”
He explained, “The seven contentious legal points are both administrative and technical, with a significant issue being the region’s demand for a veto clause on decisions—a demand unacceptable to the central government.”
Al-Mashkoor stressed that “no decision should favor the region at the expense of the country’s overall interest.”
