Baghdad, Iraq- Iraq’s parliament is set to resume its sessions after nearly a month of suspended meetings due to political deadlock, but a boycott by two major factions over the controversial Popular Mobilization Law (PMF) continues to hinder progress.
The session scheduled for today will address several key items, including a vote on the fourth amendment to the private sector labor law, discussions on the Ministry of Education’s reinstatement of the national education system, and a proposed law for military and civilian service reforms. Other items on the agenda include state asset protection, diplomatic passport law, and a review of the Health and Medical Services Law amendment.
However, the ongoing political impasse regarding the PMF Law remains a significant barrier. Aqel al-Fatlawi, spokesperson for the State of Law Coalition, stated that boycotts would continue until the PMF Law is addressed, while Ahmad Mousawi from the Sadqoon bloc emphasized their group’s refusal to participate in sessions until the law is resolved.
The PMF Law, passed in 2016, established the Popular Mobilization Forces as an auxiliary military group under the Iraqi armed forces. It has faced opposition from Sunni factions, who viewed it as a challenge to national unity and partnership.