Iraqi writer urges review of financial privileges, protections for former MPs

An Iraqi writer, Dr. Mustafa al-Subayhi, has called on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani to reassess the financial privileges, allowances and state-funded security details granted to former members of parliament after their terms ended. In an article addressed to the premier, al-Subayhi argued that a parliamentary seat is a constitutionally defined, time-limited office and that the privileges attached to it should expire when the term concludes. He said retirement benefits for former lawmakers should be aligned with those of ordinary public servants and structured transparently. Al-Subayhi also urged that the number of bodyguards assigned to former officials and the salaries paid to those guards be tied to a formal security assessment rather than treated as a permanent, discretionary entitlement. The writer asked the government, parliament and oversight bodies to carry out a transparent review of the salaries, allowances, protection arrangements and other entitlements extended to former MPs, and to release the relevant financial data to the public. He warned that maintaining privileges beyond office undermines institutional trust in the state. No response from the Prime Minister's Office was reported.