Iraq’s PMF Service and Retirement Law: Navigating Political Exploitation Challenges
Iraq’s PMF Service and Retirement Law is under intense political scrutiny, with factions disagreeing on provisions regarding its passage and retirement age. The PMF, instrumental in Iraq’s security since 2014, is seeking formal regulation through the law, which faces opposition due to fears of political manipulation. Amidst ongoing dialogues, public advocacy is deemed crucial to ensure the law’s integrity and influence its legislative journey.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq are embroiled in a crucial political struggle regarding the contentious PMF Service and Retirement Law, particularly among Shiite factions. As divergent opinions emerge concerning its enactment and the retirement age stipulations, advocates are urging for public pressure to mitigate political exploitation.
Established in 2014 under a fatwa by Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the PMF was mobilized to counter ISIS and has since evolved into a significant component of Iraq’s security framework. Their funding has risen from $2.16 billion in 2021 to $2.6 billion for the period from 2023 to 2025. The PMF, comprising around 200,000 members from approximately 70 factions, predominantly represents Shiite individuals.
In November 2016, the Iraqi parliament enacted the PMF Law, officially recognizing these factions despite Sunni lawmakers’ boycott, who perceived it as diminishing national collaboration. The law mandates that the PMF operates as a supporting body to the Iraqi Armed Forces, led by the Prime Minister, and prohibits its members from engaging in political activities. The law further aims to offer members permanent positions, retirement benefits, and social security.
The PMF Law continues to be a contentious issue within the Coordination Framework (CF), representing various Shiite political entities. Disagreements mainly stem from the law’s protracted approval process and its implications for the retirement of PMF head Faleh Al-Fayyad. Supporters contend that the law is essential for PMF regulation, while critics view it as a tactic to marginalize existing leadership.
Recent parliamentary discussions around the law have observed boycotts from dissenters, leading to intensive bilateral talks among CF leaders aimed at overcoming the legal obstacles. Following a recent Cabinet referral to the parliament, a draft for the PMF law is awaiting a legislative decision, underscoring its strategic importance in Iraq’s political landscape.
A consensus appears to be forming around the PMF Retirement and Service Law, with diverse political factions, including Sunni representatives, expressing support. However, a significant concern arises from the potential retirement of 400 senior PMF leaders, prompting a provisional three-year delay to allow time for leadership succession planning within the PMF ranks. This timeframe is intended to facilitate the training and selection of appropriate replacements.
Debate persists over the retirement provision, which remains set at age 60 with potential extensions granted by the Prime Minister. Article 32/Third has raised alarms among analysts, who fear its provisions could be exploited for political ends, forcing retirement upon members who fail to align with electoral plans.
Political pressures complicate the law’s relationship with Al-Fayyad’s retirement timeline, reflecting factional interests that could skew its enactment. There is a call for lawmakers to prioritize the legislation’s integrity over political motives, as historical tendencies towards passing laws collectively undermine democratic principles.
Amid the growing political maneuvering, Shiite factions are advocating for amendments to the PMF law, tying its approval with other political conditions. This linkage suggests that contentious laws may be voted on together, despite opposition. Critics argue that this approach threatens democratic governance, allowing laws to pass without adequate representation of dissenting voices.
Political analysts assert that these contentious legislative endeavors seek to consolidate electoral power among political blocs, a pattern that has hindered effective governance since 2005. They emphasize the necessity of grassroots activism, urging civil society and intellectuals to unite in shaping public policies and fostering an informed citizenry capable of influencing political outcomes.
The PMF Service and Retirement Law is caught in a complex web of political contention among Iraq’s Shiite factions, with essential implications for its leaders and the structure of the PMF. As support builds around the law amidst concerns of political exploitation, the pathway to its approval remains tied to broader political negotiations and public advocacy. The need for an informed and engaged citizenry is critical to ensure that legislation serves the people’s interests rather than political agendas.
Original Source: shafaq.com
