Iraqi president faces parliamentary inquiry over 'illegal' salary boost

Latif Rashid has allegedly increased his monthly salary from 20 million Iraqi dinars to 27.5 million dinars without legal justification

BAGHDAD,— Iraqi lawmakers are seeking answers from President Latif Rashid after reports emerged that his monthly salary was raised from 20 million Iraqi dinars ($15,300 USD) to 27.5 million dinars ($21,000 USD).

Hanan al-Fatlawi, a member of Iraq’s Parliament, has formally submitted an inquiry, requesting clarification on the legal basis for the salary increase.

The inquiry, dated February 12, 2025, was filed under Article 61 of the Iraqi Constitution, along with Articles 27 and 29 of the Parliament Law and Articles 50 and 51 of internal regulations.

Fatlawi has requested a formal written response from the President within 15 days.

The inquiry specifically asks, “On what legal basis has your salary been increased from 20 million to 27.5 million dinars?”

The issue has drawn criticism from various sectors, including economists and civil society figures. Nabil Marsoumi, an Iraqi university professor known for his commentary on economic affairs, highlighted the contrast between the President’s salary increase and ongoing labor disputes.

In a Facebook post, Marsoumi noted that environmental protection workers have been protesting for a salary increase from 170,000 to 350,000 dinars per month, while the President’s salary was raised significantly during the same period.

The controversy comes as Rashid recently vetoed an amendment to Iraq’s Federal Budget Law No. 13 of 2023.

The amendment pertained to the export of Kurdistan’s oil through the state-run SOMO company and the allocation of oil revenues to the federal treasury, in line with budget provisions governing production and transfer expenses.

In a separate development, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has launched an investigation into IQ Internet Services, a company owned by President Rashid’s son. The probe follows concerns over the company’s operations and regulatory compliance.

Hanan al-Fatlawi also took to social media to publicly call out the President, writing on X, formerly Twitter: “The fines on your son’s company IQ… are enough to pay the salaries of Kurdistan employees.”

(With files from Agencies)