Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court has suspended parliament, derailing a planned oil deal with a Chinese company..
The court’s decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by the Sadrist bloc, which is the largest faction in parliament. The lawsuit alleged that the parliament’s speaker, Mohammed al-Halbousi, had violated the constitution by allowing a vote on the oil deal without a quorum..
The court’s decision has sent shockwaves through Iraq’s political establishment. The oil deal with the Chinese company was seen as a major step towards securing Iraq’s economic future. It was also seen as a sign of Iraq’s growing ties with China..
The suspension of parliament is likely to have a significant impact on Iraq’s political landscape. It could lead to a new round of protests and instability. It could also make it more difficult for the government to pass legislation and implement reforms..
The court’s decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some Iraqis have welcomed the decision, saying that it will help to restore order to parliament. Others have criticized the decision, saying that it is a blow to democracy..
The suspension of parliament is a major setback for Iraq’s government. It is unclear when or if parliament will be able to reconvene. In the meantime, the country is likely to face a period of political uncertainty..
**Background on the Oil Deal**.
The oil deal with the Chinese company was signed in September 2019. The deal would have seen the Chinese company invest billions of dollars in Iraq’s oil industry. In return, the Chinese company would have been granted rights to develop and produce oil in Iraq for 25 years..
The deal was controversial from the start. Some Iraqis argued that it was not in the country’s best interests. They said that the deal would give the Chinese company too much control over Iraq’s oil resources..
Despite the controversy, the Iraqi government proceeded with the deal. The government said that the deal was necessary to attract foreign investment and boost the country’s economy..
**The Suspension of Parliament**.
The Sadrist bloc filed a lawsuit against the parliament’s speaker in October 2019. The lawsuit alleged that the speaker had violated the constitution by allowing a vote on the oil deal without a quorum..
The Federal Supreme Court agreed with the Sadrist bloc’s arguments. The court ruled that the parliament’s vote on the oil deal was unconstitutional. The court also suspended parliament until further notice..
The suspension of parliament has had a significant impact on Iraq’s political landscape. It is unclear when or if parliament will be able to reconvene. In the meantime, the country is likely to face a period of political uncertainty..
