Iraq's parliament has broken a prolonged political impasse by electing a new speaker, a move seen as crucial for addressing the nation's severe financial challenges and delicate diplomatic balancing act.
A Vote to End the Deadlock
Following overnight negotiations, legislators convened on Monday, 29 December 2025, to select a new parliamentary leader. Haibet Al-Halbousi secured the position with a decisive 208 votes from the 309 members present. The session saw twenty legislators absent, highlighting the ongoing divisions within the assembly.
Al-Halbousi is a member of the Takadum, or Progress, party, which is led by his relative, the ousted former speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi. His election comes after parliamentary elections in November failed to produce a bloc with a clear majority, leading to weeks of stalemate.
Navigating a Political Minefield
The new speaker inherits a complex and fraught political landscape. By long-standing convention, Iraq's presidency is held by a Kurd, the more powerful prime minister's role goes to a Shiite, and the parliamentary speaker is a Sunni. Al-Halbousi's immediate tasks will be monumental.
One of the most contentious issues awaiting him is a proposed bill concerning the Hashd al-Shaabi, or Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). This umbrella group of Iranian-backed Shiite militias could be formally integrated into the state's security apparatus, a move that would cement the growing political influence of Iran-aligned armed groups.
Furthermore, Iraq continues to walk a diplomatic tightrope, striving to maintain close ties with both the United States and neighbouring Iran amidst rising regional tensions.
Confronting Economic and Systemic Challenges
Beyond the political sphere, the speaker must confront a dire economic situation. Iraq is grappling with mounting public debt estimated in the tens of billions of dollars. This financial crisis is compounded by widespread corruption that has long plagued state institutions, draining public funds and hindering development.
The effectiveness of the new speaker and the broader government will be judged on their ability to pass critical legislation, manage the nation's finances, and navigate the powerful external influences that shape Iraqi politics. The coming months will be a critical test for the fragile political consensus.
This report includes information contributed by Associated Press journalist Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut.
