Iraqi observers have considered that changing the name of the Sadrist movement to "the Shiite National Current" carries significant implications and symbolism. It will include other Shiite blocs that are part of different alliances, potentially entering the competition with the new current of Sadrists, which could alter the political equation.
Observers added that more important than the new name is the transition from a singular situation to a broader national one, which will see the current opening its doors to everyone, just as it has historically done with its alliances. This aligns with the Sadrist movement's previous and current slogan: "The citizen comes first."
Political analyst Alaa Al-Izzawi stated that the new name will serve as a counterbalance to the other side of the Coordination Framework, which fears that many from the Shiite blocs it has aligned with may be drawn to the new Shiite National Current. Al-Izzawi told "Iraq Observer" that changing the name means a lot, especially since Sadr has a large base of popular support in Iraq. This message could significantly influence the opposition to the Sadrist movement "previously," considering that any return this time will differ from past occurrences and could be momentous, particularly against the Coordination Framework.
The political analyst questioned whether the possibility of new elections could arise, leaving the larger question of what the Coordination Framework will conceal following the Sadrist movement's previous control after its overwhelming electoral victory. The crucial question remains whether the Coordination Framework can withstand this time or if the new Shiite National Current will evoke unfavorable reactions.
He noted that the Coordination Framework has yet to comment on the return of the Shiite National Current, especially since Sadr's return was in his own handwriting, indicating that the movement is preparing for a strong comeback.
In 2022, members of the Sadrist bloc in the Iraqi Parliament collectively resigned on a Sunday, following a call from the movement's leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, for them to resign after months of political stalemate. The Sadrist movement had won the largest bloc in the October 2022 elections and formed a controversial alliance with a Sunni coalition and the Kurdistan Democratic Party. However, it was unable to form a government because the candidates it proposed for the presidency faced objections from the competing Shiite Coordination Framework, which includes former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
Al-Sadr stated in his call: "The head of the Sadrist bloc, Hassan Al-Adhari, must submit the resignations of the sisters and brothers in the bloc to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with my utmost thanks for what they have provided during this short period." He added that this step represents "a sacrifice from me for the sake of the homeland and the people to save them from an unknown fate, just as we previously sacrificed for the liberation, sovereignty, security, unity, and stability of Iraq." He also expressed gratitude to the MPs who joined the parliamentary majority coalition.
The Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Muhammad al-Halbousi, accepted the resignation of Sadrist members in parliament.
