President of Iraq facts for kids

Quick facts for kids President of the Republic of Iraq
Coat of arms of Iraq
Incumbent Abdul Latif Rashid since 17 October 2022
Executive branch of the Federal Government of the Republic of Iraq
Style	His Excellency
Residence	Radwaniyah Palace, Baghdad
Appointer	Parliamentary vote
Term length	Four years, renewable once
Precursor	King of Iraq
Formation	14 July 1958
First holder	Muhammad Najib ar-Ruba'i
Deputy	Vice President

The President of the Republic of Iraq is the head of state for Iraq. This means they are the official leader who represents the country. Since the mid-2000s, the president's role is mostly symbolic. This means they don't have a lot of direct power in the government. Their job is more about representing Iraq and performing official duties. This is set out in Iraq's constitution, which is like the country's rulebook.

Because of an informal political agreement in Iraq, the president is usually a Kurdish person. Most of these presidents have been from the PUK political party. This is not a strict law, but it's how things have worked out. On October 13, 2022, the Iraqi parliament chose Abdul Latif Rashid to be the new president of Iraq.

What the Iraqi President Does

The Iraqi Constitution explains what the president can do. Here are some of their main powers, according to Article 73:

• Granting Pardons: The president can give special pardons to people. This is usually suggested by the Prime Minister. However, they cannot pardon people convicted of international crimes, terrorism, or financial corruption.
• Approving Treaties: They approve international agreements and treaties. This happens after the House of Representatives agrees to them. These agreements become official fifteen days after the president receives them.
• Signing Laws: The president signs and officially announces laws passed by the Council of Representatives. These laws become official fifteen days after the president receives them.
• Calling Parliament: The president calls the elected Council of Representatives to meet. This must happen within fifteen days after election results are official. They also call meetings in other situations mentioned in the constitution.
• Giving Awards: They can give out medals and awards. This is done based on what the Prime Minister suggests and follows specific laws.
• Welcoming Ambassadors: The president officially welcomes ambassadors from other countries.
• Issuing Decrees: They can issue official presidential orders, called republican decrees.
• Approving Death Sentences: The president must approve death sentences given by the courts.
• Leading the Military (Honorary): They act as the High Commander of the Armed Forces. This role is mostly for honorary and ceremonial purposes, not for direct military command.
• Other Powers: The president also carries out any other duties listed in the constitution.

Who Can Become President?

The Iraqi constitution has rules for who can run for president. Article 68 lists these important conditions:

• Citizenship: The candidate must be Iraqi by birth. Both of their parents must also be Iraqi.
• Age: They must be at least forty years old.
• Good Character: They need to have a good reputation. They should also have political experience. People should know them for being honest, fair, and dedicated to their country.
• Clean Record: They must not have been found guilty of a serious crime that affects their moral character.

Presidential Palaces

In 1958, when Iraq became a republic, its first leaders didn't immediately use a special palace. Muhammad Najib al-Rubaie, who led the Sovereign Council, stayed in his own home. Abdul Karim Qassem, the Prime Minister, also stayed in his home. His office at the Ministry of Defense was his official workplace.

Later, in 1963, Abd al-Salam Aref became president. He focused on finishing a palace that was being built for King Faisal II. This palace was completed in 1965 and became Iraq's first official republican palace.

This palace remained the republican palace until 2003. After the American occupation of Iraq began, American forces used it as their headquarters. Later, it became the American embassy. On January 1, 2009, the Iraqi government took it back. They fixed it up and renamed it the Government Palace. In 2012, an important Arab summit was held there.

Today, the Iraqi president lives in the Peace Palace. This palace was built when Saddam Hussein was in power. Another large group of buildings used as a presidential palace during Saddam Hussein's time was the Radwaniyah presidential palace complex. There are also other presidential palaces in Baghdad and other parts of Iraq. These include the Sujood Palace and Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad, and palaces in cities like Mosul, Basra, Tikrit, and Babylon.

Presidents of Iraq

After the revolution on July 14, 1958, there were plans to hold elections for a president. However, these elections never happened. So, the official position of president was put on hold for a while. Najib al-Rubaie was put in charge of the Sovereignty Council. This council acted like the president. Because of this, Abd al-Salam Aref was the first person to officially be called the President of the Iraqi Republic.

Presidency Council

The Presidency Council was a group that worked under special rules in the constitution. This council acted as the president until a new government was formed after the constitution was approved. The Presidency Council also had the power to send laws back to the Council of Representatives to be reviewed again.

See also

In Spanish: Presidente de Irak para niños