Iraq's parliament prepares to open new legislative session

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's parliament held a broad meeting with the heads and representatives of political blocs to prepare for the start of a new legislative term, discussing the priorities for the coming period and pending legislative files. Participants also reviewed plans to restructure the parliament's working order and discussed a package of draft laws expected to be placed on the agenda of upcoming sessions. A member of parliament told the source that political blocs reached consensus on holding the first session of the second legislative term on either Sunday or Monday. According to the same lawmaker, the Prime Minister will be given time to finalize and submit to parliament the names of candidates to fill the remaining vacant ministerial seats. The source added that a vote of confidence on the cabinet will be scheduled once the candidate names are formally received, allowing the government formation process to be completed within the constitutional framework. The developments are expected to set the stage for advancing priority legislative files once the remaining ministerial positions are clarified. No further details were immediately available.