Iraq – Private sector blames woes on political stalemate

Location: Baghdad – Iraq

Language: Arabic

Duration: 00:05:29

Sound: natural

Source: A24 in Baghdad

Restrictions: A24 subscribers

Date: 24/08/ 2022

Storyline:

The long delay in forming a new Iraqi government, absence of federal budget, and disruption of Parliament, have negatively affected agreements with Arab and international countries. When speaking to A24, Iraqi analysts unanimously agreed that the political situation affects the economic situation significantly. One political analyst told A24 that political decisions should be effective, and the government should have complete authority, instead of being tantamount to resigned by constitutional law. He added that if the current state remains, it would disrupt local economy, as well as deals and contracts with foreign countries, which would in turn disturb the overall economic situation in Iraq.

Shotlist:

– Soundbite (Mohannad Sawadi – Political analyst):

“The political situation affects the economic situation significantly because there is a dialectical relationship between economy and politics. Political decisions should be effective, and the government should have complete authority, instead of being tantamount to resigned by constitutional law. If the current state remains, it would disrupt local economy, as well as deals and contracts with foreign countries, which would in turn disturb the overall economic situation in Iraq.”

– Soundbite (Moayad Al-Ali – Political analyst):

“Political crisis in Iraq has negatively and significantly affected Iraqi citizens. The state has failed to complete constitutional entitlements, it has failed to form a government with complete authority that can provide services to the public, and move forward with trade and investment agreements with other countries. Iraqi people are not the only ones negatively affected, Arab and international countries are as well, due to the disruption in agreements and joint cooperation with Iraq.”

– Soundbite (Mahdi Al-Sabihawi – Political analyst):

“The long delay in forming a new Iraqi government has had regional, local and international repercussions, mainly on deals between Iraq and other countries. There is also the issue of the Food Security Law which needs to be approved by Parliament along with the budget legislation through a session held after reaching agreement with political parties. A parliamentary session is needed to resolve matters regarding the presidency of Iraq, presidency of Parliament, and Prime Minister. The matter at the forefront, however, should be the legislation of the General Budget Law.”