Al-Abadi speaks at Rafidain Center event
Former Iraq PM Al-Abadi discusses political landscape and Kurdish relations
BAGHDAD — At an event held by the Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue on Tuesday, former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, who now leads the Al-Nasr (Victory) Alliance, offered his perspective on Iraq’s political dynamics.
Al-Abadi, who led the country from 2014 to 2018, expressed broad satisfaction with the performance of current Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani, urging fairness from any of the current prime minister’s critics.
Endorsing the possibility of a second term for Al-Sudani, Al-Abadi argued that a single four-year term is not enough for meaningful reforms, which should be aimed at benefiting the state rather than individual or party interests. He also condemned the existence of armed factions and militias outside of state control.
Highlighting Muqtada Al-Sadr’s continued political engagement, Al-Abadi said, “Muqtada Al-Sadr has not abandoned political work…After failing to form a government, he commendably allowed the Framework Coalition to take over the task.”
He also addressed the constitutional relationship between the central government and the Kurdistan region, advocating for the rights of the Kurdish citizens and recalling his own efforts to pay all regional salaries, including those of the Peshmerga forces, during his tenure.
Al-Abadi further called for the prevention of Turkish interference in Iraq’s affairs, particularly concerning the conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), and expressed regret over the unfulfilled provisions of the 2005 Iraqi Constitution.