Iraq’s Parliament remains in a state of gridlock as the dispute over the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement Law intensifies, raising concerns about prolonged legislative dysfunction. Lawmakers have repeatedly boycotted sessions, preventing a quorum and delaying important legislative decisions.
Independent MP Jawad Al-Yasari warned that parliament may fail to convene entirely, as a majority of lawmakers continue their boycott. Their protest centers on the exclusion of the PMF law from the parliamentary agenda, which they view as a critical issue.
To mitigate growing political tension and avoid further disruption, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani decided to withdraw the bill. This decision came after it became clear that the PMF law had become a major point of contention within the Coordination Framework, escalating divisions within the political establishment.
The core issue causing the stalemate revolves around the retirement age provision in the bill. Despite repeated discussions, lawmakers have been unable to resolve this point, hindering any meaningful progress on the law.
With parliament unable to achieve quorum, the political deadlock continues to disrupt Iraq’s legislative processes. Independent MP Hussein Al-Sabri expressed concerns that if the stalemate persists, dissolving parliament and calling for early elections might be the only remaining option.
The ongoing PMF law crisis underscores the widening political divisions in Iraq, with key decisions stalled and the country’s governance facing growing instability.
