Iraq's July public salaries expected to be distributed in August, source says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Public-sector employees in Iraq are expected to receive their July salaries at the start of August after financial difficulties that delayed June payments continued into the following month, a source said. The source told the agency that the treasury has struggled to secure the necessary funds due to budget cash shortages and a decline in oil exports, prompting authorities to borrow from state banks to meet payroll obligations. The Finance Ministry said the Accounting Department began financing July salaries on Tuesday, but distribution has not yet reached all institutions. The ministry had previously announced that funding for state-employee salaries began on the 22nd of the month, though many agencies were unable to pay staff due to cash constraints. The source said the salary file is still managed using traditional methods inherited from previous governments, which have not produced sustainable solutions. Finance Ministry officials indicated that current measures remain temporary, adding that a lasting solution will require more effective fiscal and administrative steps led by personnel with economic expertise.