The cabinet formation process: Bloc disagreements hinder political resolution and exacerbate crises.
The Iraqi public is going through a critical phase, awaiting concrete government steps to rescue it from the accumulated service and economic crises. However, the system of partisan and sectarian quotas and points is hindering any real progress.
This system perpetuates disputes behind closed doors, leaving executive performance hostage to complex political compromises and making the struggle for gains and positions a heavy and bitter burden on the citizen.
In this context, the failure to resolve the issue of completing the cabinet negatively impacts the overall performance of the state and society, deepening the crisis of distrust in political parties and forces.
This impasse was clearly evident in the recent meeting of the leaders of the Coordination Framework, held at the home of former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi. The attendees discussed several issues, most notably completing the government formation, but failed to reach a final agreement on the distribution of vacant ministerial portfolios due to ongoing disagreements over quotas and nominated candidates. This comes despite the approaching parliamentary recess at the end of this week.
The lack of a final decision does not necessarily mean postponing the matter to the next parliamentary session. Aqeel al-Rudaini, spokesperson for the Victory Coalition, confirmed to the Al-Maalomah news agency that “those present did not reach a final agreement regarding the distribution of the vacant ministerial portfolios.” He explained that “the reason is the continued political disagreements over quotas and the names nominated to fill those positions.”
He added that “the lack of a decision in yesterday’s meeting does not necessarily mean postponing the completion of the cabinet to the next legislative session, even though the parliamentary recess begins at the end of this week.” He clarified that “Parliament may resort to holding an extraordinary session dedicated to voting on the new ministers if the political forces reach a final agreement in the coming days.”
Conversely, political observers believe that the continued use of the “points system” undermines the concept of reform, as the paralysis extends beyond the executive branch to the parliament. This is due to political blocs making the passage of vital legislation contingent on the government’s responsiveness to their demands regarding appointments and special grades. There are serious warnings that prioritizing partisan interests over the public good will soon lead the government to face a new wave of public discontent.
Almaalomah.me