Baghdad – Government delays budget submission, a parliamentary lawsuit reveals, raising alarms over constitutional breaches and public spending disruptions. On Monday, MP Hadi al-Salami disclosed the legal action against the Iraqi government. He accused officials of violating key laws by failing to deliver the 2025 budget tables on time.
Al-Salami explained that the Finance Ministry has withheld monthly payments of 60,000 dinars ($46) to residents of state-run senior care homes. He blamed both the ministry and the Council of Ministers for corruption and administrative neglect. This failure affects vulnerable citizens who rely on these stipends.
The lawsuit cites several violations. It highlights Article 62 of the Iraqi Constitution, which requires the Council of Ministers to submit draft budgets to Parliament for review and amendments. It also references the Financial Management Law No. 6 of 2019, mandating timely budget submissions. Finally, it mentions Budget Law No. 23 of 2023, which demands annual expenditure schedules for 2024 and 2025 under a three-year framework.
Political pressure is mounting as delays in budget submission threaten salaries, social welfare programs, and public services. Although the government approved a financial framework in 2023, it must present detailed annual tables to activate the budget. Without these tables, spending allocations remain on hold.
Meanwhile, opinions differ among parliamentary members about when the budget will arrive. Hussein Munis, from the Parliamentary Finance Committee, said bureaucratic and political challenges make submission unlikely soon. In contrast, his colleague Muin al-Kadhimi expects the schedules to reach Parliament by early July.
These conflicting views show the complexity of the situation. Yet the lawsuit signals lawmakers’ frustration. They emphasize that government delays budget submission have real consequences for Iraqis who depend on public funds.
As time passes, social programs and public services face increasing uncertainty. The government’s delay undermines trust and risks worsening economic and social conditions.
Ultimately, the lawsuit urges Iraqi authorities to respect legal deadlines. It calls for transparency, accountability, and swift action to protect citizens’ rights.
In short, Government delays budget submission cannot continue without affecting Iraq’s stability and development. Lawmakers demand urgent solutions to ensure budgets are passed and implemented on time.
