Baghdad: Thursday’s newspapers concentrated on the urgent call for legislative reforms and the passage of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law, as well as discussions regarding judicial procedures aimed at restricting weapons to state control.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zubaidi underscored the necessity of a comprehensive legislative overhaul during a meeting with the parliamentary legal committee. This push coincides with the completion of the government’s first 100 days and the conclusion of the international coalition’s military mission. The semi-official Al-Sabah newspaper emphasized that strengthening the defense system is crucial for protecting Iraq’s sovereignty and supporting its developmental and economic progress.
The newspaper further reported on the Kurdistan Region’s announcement of the end of the German forces’ mission within the international coalition, marking their complete withdrawal after fulfilling their training and advisory roles. In this context, Prime Minister al-Zubaidi highlighted the importance of aligning the legislative system with development requirements, stressing the urgent need for a legislative revolution to address outstanding issues, with the PMF law at the forefront.
Al-Zubaidi’s commitment to legislative and executive coordination was echoed by First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Adnan Faihan al-Dulaimi, who announced that the government would soon send a draft law concerning service and retirement for PMF members. This move is part of broader efforts to expedite legislation on military service, internal security forces, and cybercrime. Al-Dulaimi also revealed plans for a special parliamentary session to discuss security preparations for the future.
Al-Zaman newspaper (Iraq edition) reported on a meeting between the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, Faiq Zaidan, and Joshua Harris, the Charg© d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq. They discussed judicial procedures following the end of the international coalition’s mission, focusing on restricting unauthorized arms and enforcing the rule of law.
The newspaper also covered remarks by Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, who cautioned against political unrest and emphasized support for the existing government framework. He stressed the importance of addressing weapon restrictions without confrontation, warning against potential instability.
Additionally, Al-Zawraa newspaper, linked to the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, reported Finance Minister Faleh Sari’s assurance that employee salaries are fully secured, with no plans to alter the payment schedule. The Ministry of Finance noted the initiation of salary funding for August and efforts to address cost inflation and improve financial resource utilization.
In the realm of taxation, Sari highlighted the ministry’s targeting of major taxpayers to expand the tax base, aiming to improve compliance and efficiency.