Iraqi Parliament Reviews 23 Bills as Administrative Expansion Raises Spending

Iraq’s parliament has reviewed 23 draft laws in the closing phase of the current legislative term, with a monitoring center warning that most would expand the administrative structure and increase public spending. The center said the bills are notable because they create new institutions and councils rather than streamline existing state bodies. It said nearly 70% of the draft laws add new boards and staffing positions, deepening bureaucratic bloat. The measures also cover military service, civil aviation, the Ministry of Communications and the National Water Council. The civil aviation bill would grant employees additional allowances of up to 200% of nominal salary. Separate budgets and new funds are also planned for the Ministry of Communications and the National Water Council. The review comes as lawmakers near the end of the legislative cycle, putting attention on the fiscal impact of pending legislation. The center’s assessment suggests the package would widen government commitments at a time of already elevated public expenditure.