Forty Iraqi lawmakers formed “Iraqis Coalition” to support the government of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, which declared a war on corruption and clashed with Iran-backed armed factions.
The Secretary-General of National Wisdom Movement (Hekma), Ammar al-Hakim, announced in a statement “the formation of a political, parliamentarian, and public-based coalition that aims to support the government and the sovereignty of Iraq.”
Hakim was speaking before a number of parliamentarians and stressed that the alliance was formed by a number of political forces and independent national figures, aiming to enhance the path of the state and its institutions, applying the law to all, restoring confidence in the political system, and supporting armed forces.
The coalition’s main goals are also to support true and courageous reforms in the face of corruption, meet the demands of the protesters, and enable a moderate approach to support political stability, said Hakim.
The Sec-Gen noted that the “Iraqis Coalition” wants to ensure the country is not involved in regional and international conflicts while maintaining strong relations and mutual interests with the regional and international parties.
The coalition aims to hold early and fair elections that ensure the rights of all parties. It also wants to support real development efforts of the entire political system, aside from any futile effects that hinder reform, construction, and reconstruction.
Hakim stressed that the members of the coalition are moving towards correcting the political track, restoring the state's sovereignty, and establishing stability.
Irada Movement MP Hussein Arab told Asharq Al-Awsat that the coalition supports the government, which is important at this stage.
Arab added that the Coalition's main goals are: early elections, fighting corruption, and ensuring the government provides services to the southern governorates and liberated areas.
Notably, the attempts to form an alliance supportive of the new government began after its formation, but this coalition was established right before the cabinet was announced, which was also came days after Kadhimi ordered a raid on Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades.
Lawmakers of political forces affiliated with Iran attacked the new coalition, as MP of State of Law Coalition Alia Nassif described the new alliance as a “pragmatic way” to gain more under the pretext of supporting the government.
Nassif indicated that since the establishment of the political process, political blocs form new alliances to please the public whenever a problem arises or an economic crisis occurs, .
However, MP of Hekma Movement Hasan Khalati asserted that the new coalition was established as a result of six-weeks joint efforts.
Khalati indicated that the coalition is based on respect and aims to enhance state institutions, including the parliament.
He added that the coalition will seek to pass laws that have been postponed due to the current crisis, and will pursue legislating everything that would strengthen establishing a strong state and government agencies.
