Iraqi leaders in the Shiite Coordination Framework have agreed to vote on the PMF Retirement Law next week, which sets the retirement age at 60. PM Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani can extend service for up to five additional years if required. Disputes arose concerning the retirement age of the PMF chief, with some factions opposing the set age, while others seek conformity with existing laws.

Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) leaders have reached a consensus on the contentious Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Service and Retirement Law. This information was shared by Iraqi MP Rafiq Al-Salhi on Tuesday. The proposed legislation will establish the retirement age for PMF members at 60 years. Additionally, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, PM Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, will have the discretion to extend service for PMF personnel by up to five years when necessary.

The upcoming vote on this law is slated for next week. Tensions arose within the CF regarding the retirement age for the PMF chief, creating divisions among different political blocs. Some factions opposed the stipulation of 60 years, while others argued that the law should be consistent with the State Employees Law, which enforces the same retirement age.

In summary, Iraq is set to vote on an important law governing the retirement protocol for PMF members, which has prompted debates over leadership age limits. The agreement reached by Shiite CF leaders highlights the need for alignment with existing employee retirement statutes, underscoring the complexity of managing military personnel transitions. The decision to allow extensions of service provides flexibility in military command continuity.

Original Source: shafaq.com