Sayyid Al-Hakeem: Iraq Recovers Politically, Economically, Reform Only Viable Choice

At the Baghdad Diwan for political and social elites, His Eminence Sayyid Al-Hakeem, Head of the National State Powers’ Alliance, expressed appreciation for the valuable contributions of attendees and extended congratulations on the anniversary of the birth of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and the advent of the New Year, recalling the leaders of victory and their enduring legacy. 
Sayyid Al-Hakeem affirmed that Iraq is experiencing a clear phase of recovery, reflected in the conclusion of the missions of the International Coalition and the United Nations, as well as the success of the electoral process in terms of procedures, transparency, and the smooth announcement of results. H.E. noted that broad participation conveyed a message of consolidating the electoral vote within specific powers across various components.
H.E. pointed out that the election of the Speaker and his two Deputies was achieved through understanding and prior consultation, reflecting a political will to shorten constitutional timelines in order to accumulate achievements. 
H.E. explained that the Coordination Framework requested candidates for the post of Prime Minister to present their priorities, programs for addressing challenges, and working teams, which led to the crystallization of a broad vision on the basis of which nine candidates were selected, considering this a sign of the growing maturity of Iraq’s political experience.
H.E. stressed that this direction also received regional and international understanding.
H.E. clarified that the next major challenge lies in the economic sphere, particularly fluctuations in oil prices, describing the crisis as short-term and a genuine opportunity for economic reform, despite the initial difficulties such reforms entail. H.E. stressed the importance of confining weapons to the hands of the state through a balanced Iraqi approach that takes previous circumstances into account, in cooperation with a fully empowered elected government, within international guarantees and political participation. 
H.E. called on elites to present realistic and creative solutions to existing challenges, underscoring that reform is a choice with no alternative. H.E. also emphasized the need to pass strategic legislation requiring a two-thirds majority, strengthening dialogue and understanding among political blocs to form the government.
H.E. called to empower competent professionals in government positions through specialized committees, support the private sector and small projects instead of expanding public employment, and pay due attention to the rights of persons with disabilities. H.E. stressed the importance of the Constitution as a unifying reference and affirmed Iraq’s aspiration to play a proactive role in supporting stability across the region.