The Baghdad parliament has postponed the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law to the next legislative term. Political disagreements have blocked lawmakers from reaching consensus, while other legislation, including the Mental Health Law, advanced smoothly. The PMF law debate continues to dominate parliamentary discussions, reflecting tensions among Iraq’s major political coalitions.
Lawmaker Ibtisam al-Hilali explained that disputes over the PMF law persist even within the Coordination Framework (CF), the Shiite alliance supporting the government. Lawmakers repeatedly failed to reach a quorum, leaving insufficient sessions to finalize the law before the upcoming elections. Consequently, the PMF law faces indefinite delays.
The current parliamentary paralysis stems partly from earlier disputes between Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani and Deputy Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi over session leadership. Since then, political blocs have shifted attention to election campaigns, further stalling PMF law discussions.
Earlier, CF member Uday al-Khadran confirmed that Iraq’s top leadership, including the president, prime minister, parliament speaker, and judiciary chief, agreed to defer the PMF law to the next government. Officials said the decision aims to maintain internal stability and avoid escalating regional tensions.
The PMF is a coalition of mainly Shiite paramilitary groups formed in response to ISIS following Mosul’s fall. The force gained official recognition in 2016, but its legal framework lacked clarity regarding structure, funding, and oversight. The proposed PMF law seeks to integrate these groups into the military chain of command, standardize ranks, and regulate funding.
Supporters argue the PMF law would strengthen state authority and clarify the force’s status. Critics, however, warn it could legitimize Iran-aligned groups and reinforce parallel security structures outside civilian oversight. The PMF law debate continues to influence political dynamics and public opinion in Baghdad, highlighting ongoing tensions between national security goals and regional pressures.
Parliament’s decision to defer the PMF law leaves its fate to the next legislative term. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue debating other reforms and policies, attempting to balance governance, security, and political stability.