Some Iraqi Lawmakers Demand Speaker's Ouster
Iraqi MPs demand Speaker Mohammed al-Mashhadani’s removal after he allegedly called Iraq’s identity “worthless.” They also seek a health review to assess his mental fitness, calling his remarks a constitutional violation and a threat to national unity.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Mohammed al-Mashhadani, is facing a formal demand for his removal from a group of lawmakers, who are also calling for him to be referred to a health committee following controversial remarks about the Iraqi identity.
The demand was announced in a written statement on Monday by Mohammed Nuri, a member of the Finance Committee in the Iraqi Parliament. Nuri stated that he and a number of other parliamentarians are calling for the Speaker's removal due to an appearance on a satellite channel.
During the appearance, al-Mashhadani is accused of making "statements against the Iraqi identity and openly said that Iraq has a worthless and cheap identity."
According to Mohammed Nuri, al-Mashhadani's comments contradict the Iraqi constitution and violate its articles, especially since he has taken an oath to protect the Iraqi identity.
The parliamentarian mentioned that in addition to demanding al-Mashhadani's removal from his post, the lawmakers are also calling for him to be referred to a health committee to determine if his mind is functioning properly.
Nuri argued that the Speaker's stance is a "dangerous development" and that the statements are "clear evidence that al-Mashhadani lacks any loyalty to his country and homeland."
The move to oust the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament represents a significant escalation of political tensions within the federal government. Such a direct challenge to one of the country's highest-ranking officials, based on accusations of undermining national identity, points to deep-seated divisions and a breakdown of trust among parliamentary factions. The call to refer the Speaker to a health committee is an exceptionally aggressive political tactic, aiming not only to remove him from his post but also to question his personal fitness for office.
This internal conflict within the legislative branch could lead to significant political paralysis, potentially stalling crucial legislation and exacerbating instability in Baghdad. For the Kurdistan Region, turmoil at the heart of the federal government can have direct consequences, particularly concerning ongoing negotiations over budget allocations, oil and gas laws, and other constitutional disputes.
