MP Amr Al-Fayez, a member of the Coordination Framework. (Photo: Screenshot from Al-Iraqiya TV interview)
Media Monitor
Iraqi MP slams parliamentary boycotts, calls current term ‘least productive’ in recent memory
BAGHDAD — Widening divisions within Iraq’s parliament have produced what one lawmaker describes as “the least productive” legislative term in recent memory. Amr Al-Fayez, a member of the Coordination Framework, blamed ongoing disputes and session boycotts for the gridlock.
In an interview with Al-Iraqiya TV, Al-Fayez criticized lawmakers who skip sessions to voice dissent. “Our system is a parliamentary democracy, and those with opposing views should attend sessions and vote against any proposal that does not align with their positions,” he said.
He also highlighted problems with session management, asserting that despite the availability of electronic voting, laws are still pushed through “with the hammering of the gavel,” drawing objections from some members.
Turning to foreign affairs, Al-Fayez described former U.S. President Donald Trump as “unstable in his decisions” and claimed that “the Americans have failed in international politics against Iran.”
Excerpts from Amr Al-Fayez’s interview with Al-Iraqiya TV :
We reject the policy of boycotting parliamentary sessions. Our system is a parliamentary democracy, and those with opposing views should attend sessions and vote against any proposal that does not align with their positions. The opinion of the majority should be respected.
The trend of boycotting sessions has escalated over the last two parliamentary terms. This term has seen the most disputes and boycotts while being the least productive. Additionally, the management of sessions has been below expectations.
The electronic voting system, which is technically available and more reliable than traditional voting, has been ignored. Instead, agreements have favored the old method of hammering the gavel to pass laws, leading to numerous objections.
A lack of adherence by MPs to their bloc leaders’ directives is not rebellion but an expression of opinion. Voting out of courtesy damages the state. If that were acceptable, then why not replace the entire parliament with ten individuals to make decisions on our behalf?
Trump is an unstable man in his decisions, inconsistent in his opinions, and aggressive in dealing with the world. The Americans have also failed in international politics against Iran.
The Palestinian issue, regional stability, and the oil and gas law are the main concerns for the Coordination Framework in the coming period.
