Iraqi Parliament Speaker Emphasizes Need for Federal Council, Calls for Legislative Action
The latest emphasis by Iraq's Parliament Speaker on establishing a Federal Council signifies a central development in Iraq's constitutional evolution and carries noteworthy implications for Iraq’s federal structure.

Jan. 14, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24)—In a significant development highlighting Iraq's evolving federal structure, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani has underlined the importance of establishing a Federal Council, highlighting the parliament's responsibility to enact necessary legislation for its formation.
In a comprehensive interview with the Iraqi News Agency late Monday, al-Mashhadani addressed numerous urgent issues facing Iraq's legislative landscape.
"While there are ongoing disagreements within parliament regarding budget schedules, establishing a Federal Council has become an imperative necessity for Iraq at this crucial juncture, requiring immediate parliamentary legislative action," al-Mashhadani stated.
The Parliament Speaker also explained pending legislative priorities, especially underscoring the importance of the General Amnesty Law.
"Several crucial pieces of legislation await parliamentary approval, particularly the General Amnesty Law, which stands as a keystone for realizing domestic stability in Iraq," he stressed, pointing to the law's potential role in promoting national reconciliation.
In a noteworthy statement addressing Iraq's foreign policy trajectory, al-Mashhadani outlined a structured approach to diplomatic relations with Syria.
"It is paramount that Iraq's engagement with the new Syrian authority is conducted exclusively through governmental and institutional channels," he highlighted, suggesting a carefully calibrated diplomatic approach that prioritizes formal state-to-state relations.
This development comes amid broader regional shifts and emphasizes Iraq's continuing attempts to reinforce its federal institutions while maintaining strategic diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
The focus on institutional frameworks for both domestic governance and international relations reflects Iraq's continuing evolution toward a more structured federal system.
Kurdistan24 has been following these developments closely, as they have significant repercussions for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq's federal structure.
A Pivotal Step Towards Constitutional Maturity
The latest emphasis by Iraq's Parliament Speaker on establishing a Federal Council signifies a central development in Iraq's constitutional evolution and carries noteworthy implications for Iraq’s federal structure.
The Federal Council, as proposed in Iraq's 2005 Constitution but never implemented, signifies a crucial second chamber of parliament.
Its establishment would fulfill a key constitutional requirement and reinforce Iraq's federal framework by providing a counterbalance to the existing Council of Representatives.
This development is notably important given Iraq's complex ethnic and sectarian composition.
Moreover, the proposed Federal Council could serve as an imperative mechanism for balancing power between Iraq's diverse regions and governorates, providing improved representation for Iraq's various components, including the Kurdistan Region, and creating a more equitable distribution of political influence between central and regional authorities.
The creation of the federal council could also have strategic implications. The timing of this initiative is notably important, coming amid the continuing debates about federal resource distribution and the continuing discussions about the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil.
The regional geopolitical shifts affecting Iraq's internal dynamics play another crucial role in accelerating the formation of the federal council.
Challenges and Opportunities
Several factors will influence the Council's effectiveness such as the legislative framework used for the creation of this council. the success of the Federal Council will largely depend on the robustness of its founding legislation.
There is also the necessity for political consensus. Achieving agreement on representation quotas and council powers remains a crucial challenge.
Such a major legal overhaul and amendment to the established institutional structure in Iraq could always be a topic requiring regional acceptance within the country. The endorsement from various political factions and regional governments will be essential.
Looking Forward
The establishment of the Federal Council could mark a significant milestone in Iraq's political development, potentially strengthening federal institutions, enhancing political stability, creating more effective mechanisms for conflict resolution, and providing a more balanced approach to national decision-making.
The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other federal systems in the region, while its failure could complicate Iraq's ongoing efforts to maintain a unified yet decentralized state structure.
The international community's support and understanding of this process will be crucial for its successful implementation.
Understanding this development requires recognizing both its immediate practical implications and its broader significance for regional stability and governance evolution in the Middle East.