Iraq Set to Vote on PMF Retirement Law Amid Ongoing Disputes
Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework has reached an agreement on the PMF Retirement Law, which will be voted on next week. The law sets the retirement age at 60, while granting the Prime Minister the authority to extend service for PMF members by five years if necessary. Disagreements within the framework centered on the retirement age for the PMF chief, highlighting the complexities involved in finalizing the legislation.
Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) leaders have come to an agreement regarding the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement Law, as announced by MP Rafiq Al-Salhi from the Security and Defense Committee. The legislation, which has elicited considerable debate, is set for a vote next week. Al-Salhi confirmed that the retirement age for participants will remain at 60 years. Furthermore, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani will be empowered to extend service for PMF members beyond the retirement age by five additional years if deemed necessary.
The draft law has been contentious among members of the CF, primarily due to differing views on the retirement age of the PMF chief. Some political blocs have expressed resistance to the establishment of a fixed retirement age at 60, while others advocate for alignment with the State Employees Law, which similarly stipulates this age for retirement. The impending vote reflects these ongoing negotiations and the attempt to reach a consensus on this critical issue.
The Iraqi parliament is preparing to vote on the PMF Retirement Law, which will establish a retirement age of 60 for PMF members while allowing the Prime Minister to extend service as needed. The agreement aims to mitigate disputes within the Shiite Coordination Framework regarding the law’s terms, particularly concerning the retirement age for the PMF leadership. This development is significant for the future structure of the PMF and its integration within Iraq’s defense framework.
Original Source: shafaq.com
