Iraq’s parliament is set to vote on the federal budget tables as soon as they are submitted by the government, with no new public sector appointments or wage increases included. The PMF law may be reintroduced for discussion, amid ongoing political negotiations. Calls for parliament’s dissolution have been dismissed, and uncertainties persist regarding the budget transfer process.
Iraq’s parliament is preparing to vote on the federal budget tables shortly after their imminent submission by the government. Lawmaker Ibtisam Al-Hilali indicated that upon receipt, parliament aims to expedite the vote to prevent disruptions to ministries and budget-related operations. Notably, the current budget is structured as a three-year plan, although Al-Hilali mentioned that lawmakers must revisit the budget tables annually given the nation’s ongoing challenges.
Amidst delays, Finance Minister Taif Sami is under pressure, with reports indicating he has submitted the tables to the Prime Minister. If approval does not occur promptly, the government will operate under a 1/12 spending rate based on the previous year’s budget. Al-Hilali assured that the budget will not contain provisions for new public sector appointments or wage increases following concerns that these could be misused in the lead-up to elections.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement Law may be reinstated on the parliamentary agenda after having been withdrawn last week. Discussions regarding this law are anticipated in the forthcoming parliamentary session, scheduled for the following week. This effort coincides with a broader negotiation between the Shiite Coordination Framework and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani aimed at addressing political tensions.
Despite increasing calls for parliamentary dissolution due to delays in sessions, Al-Hilali reassured that parliament cannot dissolve itself and is bound to operate until its term concludes on January 10, 2026. Furthermore, there remains ambiguity regarding whether the budget tables have been duly transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the Council of Ministers, as voiced by Parliamentary Finance Committee member Hussain Mouanes, who noted the absence of official confirmation on the matter.
In summary, Iraq’s parliament is poised to vote on the federal budget tables while reiterating that no new public sector appointments or wage increases will be included. The PMF law may also return for discussion amidst ongoing political negotiations. Despite calls for dissolution, parliament remains scheduled to operate until 2026, with uncertainties regarding the budget transfer process persisting. Prompt action is crucial to ensure government spending continues without interruption.
Original Source: shafaq.com
