Legal expert Ali Al-Tamimi has outlined the legal and constitutional measures that could be taken if the government or the Ministry of Finance continues to delay the payment of employee salaries.
Al-Tamimi stressed that salaries are a fundamental part of the functioning of any state. He explained that governments depend on the regular payment of public-sector employees to keep institutions operating and services running. According to him, a prolonged failure to pay salaries could seriously affect government operations and the delivery of public services.
He noted that the payment of salaries is protected under Iraq’s Civil Service Law No. 24 of 1960 as well as the country’s salary-scale regulations, making it a legal obligation of the state.
At the same time, Al-Tamimi pointed out that short delays do not necessarily indicate a major crisis. He said salary payments can sometimes be postponed for a day or two because of administrative procedures, inventory reviews, financial reconciliations, or recalculations. In such cases, the delay is generally considered temporary and does not create significant legal issues.
However, if delays continue or result from negligence, Parliament has several oversight powers under the Constitution. Al-Tamimi explained that Article 61 of the Iraqi Constitution gives the House of Representatives authority to monitor government performance. This includes the power to summon officials from the Ministry of Finance, question the finance minister, and potentially remove the minister if serious negligence or failure to perform duties is proven.
He added that Parliament also has broader constitutional powers to question the government itself. In certain circumstances, lawmakers can withdraw confidence from the government, leading to its dismissal and conversion into a caretaker administration until a new government is formed.
His comments come amid growing public concern over reports of salary-payment delays and questions about the government’s financial position. While temporary administrative delays may not be unusual, Al-Tamimi emphasized that prolonged interruptions in salary payments would trigger stronger parliamentary oversight and accountability measures.
