Iraqi Parliament Resumes Sessions with Four New Bills and Stronger Anti-Corruption Oversight

Shanya Salar 3 hours ago
A session of the Iraqi Council of Representatives. Photo: Iraqi Parliament
A session of the Iraqi Council of Representatives. Photo: Iraqi Parliament

The Iraqi Council of Representatives resumes its legislative sessions today, Monday, following the end of its recess. The first session of the new legislative term will focus on advancing key legislation while strengthening parliamentary oversight, ministerial accountability, and anti-corruption efforts.

Parliament to Hold First Reading of Four Bills

The Council of Representatives is scheduled to convene its opening session today at 1:00 p.m. According to the official agenda, lawmakers will conduct the first reading of four draft laws:

  • The Cybercrimes Bill aims to modernize legislation related to cybercrime, digital fraud, and electronic security.
  • An amendment to the Juvenile Care Law focuses on expanding social protections and rehabilitation measures for minors.
  • An amendment to the Advocacy (Legal Profession) Law intends to update institutional regulations and legal protections for practicing lawyers.
  • The Air Defense System Financing Bill, which seeks to establish funding for the development and modernization of Iraq's national air defense system.

Parliament to Strengthen Oversight of Government Institutions

First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Adnan Faihan announced that the new legislative term will mark a qualitative shift in the Council's constitutional oversight role.

He said future parliamentary sessions will be restructured to systematically host ministers and heads of independent institutions to review, evaluate, and monitor the implementation of their operational plans. These sessions are intended to assess ministerial performance and the pace of project implementation.

Anti-Corruption Efforts Take Center Stage

Faihan stressed that combating corruption has become a top priority for the parliamentary leadership and its members.

He said the fight against corruption requires practical measures and close judicial cooperation rather than slogans or public statements, which he said have historically been used to conceal illicit activities.

To support these efforts, Parliament will activate the powers of its specialized committees to provide legislative, political, and technical support to Iraq's independent oversight institutions.

Shanya Salar

3 hours ago