Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework has reached an agreement on the PMF Service and Retirement Law, which will be voted on next week. The retirement age is set at 60, with the Prime Minister able to extend service for five additional years if necessary. This law has sparked disagreements regarding retirement age within the framework.
Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) leaders have reportedly reached a consensus concerning the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement Law. This resolution was confirmed by MP Rafiq Al-Salhi, a member of the parliament’s Security and Defense Committee, on Tuesday. The finalized legislation is slated for a vote next week in the parliament, which is anticipated to clarify and stabilize the retirement process for PMF members.
According to MP Al-Salhi, the established retirement age is set at 60 years old. Furthermore, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, will have the authority to extend the service of PMF personnel beyond the retirement age by an additional five years if it is deemed necessary. This provision is aimed at ensuring the operational effectiveness of the forces as required.
The proposed law faced internal disagreements within the CF, specifically regarding the retirement age for the PMF chief. While certain political factions contested the 60-year retirement age, others argued for the need for consistency with the State Employees Law, which designates the same retirement age. These discussions underscore the political complexities surrounding military and paramilitary governance in Iraq.
In summary, Iraq’s parliament is set to vote on the PMF Retirement Law next week following an agreement within the Shiite Coordination Framework. The law establishes a retirement age of 60 years, with provisions for potential extensions by the Prime Minister. However, the legislation has been contentious, highlighting underlying disputes within the political framework regarding military retirements and governance.
Original Source: shafaq.com