In his inauguration speech yesterday as the newly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Al-Salheen Abdel-Nabi, made several wide-ranging pledges, including ‘‘strengthening the constitutional, legislative, and oversight roles of the House of Representatives, and to support all efforts aimed at achieving stability, consolidating state institutions, and creating the right conditions for reaching a comprehensive and sustainable national consensus’’.
Here is his full speech:
‘‘Distinguished members of the House of Representatives; noble sons and daughters of Libya:
I am honoured to stand before you today at this significant national moment. You have entrusted me with the responsibility of assuming the presidency of the House of Representatives—a responsibility I cherish deeply. At the same time, I fully recognize the immense duties it entails toward the nation and its citizens, as well as the need for serious work, wisdom in managing differences, and an unwavering commitment to prioritizing the supreme national interest.
As I assume this responsibility, I assure you that your invaluable confidence will drive me to exert my utmost effort and to work alongside all members of the House in a spirit of unity. My goal is to strengthen the standing of this legislative institution and enhance its role in serving the State and the Libyan people.
On this occasion, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the outgoing leadership—led by Counselor Ageela Saleh, Fawzi Al-Nuwairi, and Misbah Douma—for their efforts and contributions in serving the House and the nation amidst exceptional circumstances and challenges.
Acknowledging the efforts of those who bore this responsibility before us is a tribute to the institution’s journey and continuity; it allows us to draw upon past experiences to strengthen our capacity to continue the work of building and progress.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Libya stands today at a juncture requiring us all to exercise a great deal of responsibility and wisdom, and to work with a patriotic spirit that transcends differences and places the national interest above all else.
In this spirit, I will work with you to strengthen the constitutional, legislative, and oversight roles of the House of Representatives, and to support all efforts aimed at achieving stability, consolidating state institutions, and creating the right conditions for reaching a comprehensive and sustainable national consensus.
We will pay special attention to the following:
• Upholding the rule of law and respecting the constitution and national institutions.
• Supporting dialogue and national reconciliation processes that reinforce Libya’s unity and the cohesion of its social fabric.
• Contributing to the consolidation of security and stability and the strengthening of state institutions, in accordance with the law and established mandates.
• Monitoring and improving the quality of basic services that affect citizens' lives.
• Promoting transparency, integrity, and anti-corruption measures, while fostering a culture of accountability and sound management of public funds.
• Enhancing the performance of the House of Representatives and activating its legislative and oversight roles to meet citizens' aspirations and boost their confidence in state institutions.
I also affirm that the doors of the House of Representatives will remain open to all national, political, and social forces, and that dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for diverse viewpoints will remain key tools in addressing national issues.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Libya is greater than our differences and more precious than our individual interests; the future of its children is a shared responsibility that rests upon us all. Accordingly, I call upon all political and social parties and forces to cooperate, draw closer together, and prioritize dialogue. I urge them to avoid anything that might deepen divisions or weaken state institutions, and instead work with us to build a stable, secure, and just state—one that safeguards the rights of all its citizens and upholds their dignity.
I also affirm my commitment to building balanced, institutional relationships with the government, the judiciary, security and military agencies, and all other state institutions. These relationships will be grounded in cooperation, coordination, and respect for respective mandates, ensuring complementary roles and the realization of the public interest.
Regarding Libya’s relations with the international community, we welcome any support that contributes to stability and development, provided it respects Libya’s sovereignty and the independence of its national decision-making, and supports solutions that stem from the will of the Libyan people and serve their interests.
Ladies and gentlemen, I assume this responsibility fully aware that the path ahead is not easy and that significant challenges lie before us. Yet I am confident that when the will of the Libyan people unites around a single goal, it is capable of overcoming obstacles and forging a better future.
With God’s help, I will serve as Speaker for all members of the House of Representatives. I am committed to ensuring the House acts as an inclusive institution—a voice that truly reflects the aspirations of the Libyan people across all their diverse components.
I pledge before God and the Libyan people to exert every possible effort and to shoulder this responsibility with integrity and impartiality. My ultimate goal will be to serve Libya, preserve its unity, strengthen its security and stability, and consolidate a state governed by institutions and the rule of law.
In conclusion, I ask God Almighty to help us fulfil this trust, to guide our steps toward what is best for Libya and its people, to protect our homeland from all harm, and to grant its citizens success in uniting their ranks and realizing their aspirations for security, stability, and prosperity.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.’’
Abdel-Nabi will hold the office of Speaker for one year according to the new internal regulations agreed by members in their session of 5 October.
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