Iraqi candidate for parliament promises to bankroll weddings for 150 Real Madrid fans if elected

SALAH AL-DIN — Parliamentary candidate Marwa Hamed Al-Issawi has stirred online debate after pledging to fund the weddings of 150 Real Madrid supporters in celebration of her potential election win, saying her personal gifts would go exclusively to fans of the Spanish football club she supports.

Al-Issawi, who is running with the Tafawuq Alliance and currently serves as director of the General Company for Grain Manufacturing in Salah al-Din, made the remarks in a video statement. “I have decided to marry off 150 young men from Real Madrid’s fan base only, immediately after winning the elections, and I will cover all marriage expenses,” she said.

She added that while she plans to serve all citizens equally if elected, her personal contributions will reflect her football loyalties. “There is high unemployment in Salah al-Din, like in other governorates. If I win, I will provide services and job opportunities for everyone without discrimination, but these gifts are personal donations,” she said. “I don’t hate Barcelona fans, but I feel a sense of belonging to Real Madrid and its supporters.”

Earlier, Al-Issawi drew reactions from both sides of the football rivalry after publicly asking Barcelona fans not to vote for her. The statement angered some supporters of the Catalan club while earning praise from Real Madrid fans. Others criticized the move as a publicity stunt aimed at attracting attention during the campaign season.