Iraq Parliament to Vote on Federal Budget and PMF Law Amid Political Tensions
The Iraqi Parliament is set to vote on the federal budget tables shortly after they are submitted. Lawmaker Ibtisam Al-Hilali confirmed the absence of new employment appointments in the budget. Additionally, discussions on the PMF Service and Retirement law may resume soon, while parliament’s dissolution is not an option ahead of the term’s end in January 2026.
The Iraqi Parliament is poised to vote on the federal budget tables shortly after the government submits them. Lawmaker Ibtisam Al-Hilali noted that the government is finalizing these tables, emphasizing the importance of a prompt vote to prevent disruptions in government operations. She affirmed Iraq’s adoption of a three-year budget strategy but mentioned the necessity for annual voting due to prevailing circumstances.
Finance Minister Taif Sami is currently under pressure due to delays, with Al-Hilali indicating that the budget tables have been forwarded to the Prime Minister. She highlighted that if approval lingers, government expenditures would be maintained at 1/12 of the previous budget.
Al-Hilali also addressed concerns regarding political parties potentially making election-related employment promises, stating that the budget does not encompass new appointments, contracts, or wage increases. Instead, she pointed out that 150,000 contract positions have already been processed for regions.
Discussing the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement law, Al-Hilali mentioned the potential reintroduction of this topic in the upcoming parliamentary session. She confirmed that the next session is expected to occur within the following week.
Amidst ongoing calls for parliament’s dissolution due to procedural delays, Al-Hilali refuted this idea, asserting that parliament cannot disband itself entirely, with its current term concluding on January 10, 2026. Sources indicate that discussions are ongoing within the Shiite Coordination Framework regarding amendments to the PMF law, in collaboration with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
Despite the developments, there is lingering uncertainty regarding whether the Ministry of Finance has officially submitted the budget tables to the Council of Ministers, as no confirmation has been received from the Parliamentary Finance Committee.
In summary, the Iraqi Parliament is preparing to address the federal budget tables, with a vote expected soon following their submission by the government. The financial minister is under pressure regarding delayed approvals, and it has been clarified that the current budget does not include new job contracts or wage increases. Furthermore, discussions about the PMF law and legislative session continuity remain ongoing, as parliament’s term extends until 2026, countering calls for dissolution.
Original Source: shafaq.com
