MP Hiyam Al-Yasiri stated:

“Unfortunately, the people are on one side, while the majority of MPs are on another… The will of political parties has become stronger than the state and the constitution… Political spoils and economic interests have taken precedence over everything else.”

She was not alone in opposing the decision.

Other lawmakers from the Ishraqat Kanoon, Hoquq, Abshir Ya Iraq, and Badr blocs joined the opposition, including Haider Al-Mutairi, Saud Al-Saadi, and Amer Abdul Jabbar.

Their objections centered on the fact that creating additional ministerial posts and government positions would further burden the national budget amid a severe economic crisis, particularly as the US dollar has risen to 1,520 Iraqi dinars for the end consumer, compared with the previous rate of 1,320 dinars.

They also argued that expanding the cabinet reinforces partisan power-sharing and political patronage instead of streamlining state institutions.

Observers warned that these so-called “consolation positions”, created to satisfy political factions, would impose an additional burden on the national budget at a time when Iraq is unable to export the full volume of oil needed to cover operating expenditures.

Among the largest obligations are the salaries and pensions of approximately eight million public-sector employees, retirees, and contract workers.

What Kind of Achievement is This?

While Parliament Speaker Haibet Al-Halbousi congratulated the government on completing its cabinet and wished its members success, one fundamental question remains:

What kind of achievement is it to distribute sovereign government positions among relatives and establish unnecessary ministries in a country suffering from a suffocating economic crisis?

Qais Al-Khazali secured the position of deputy prime minister for his brother Laith, while Nouri Al-Maliki’s son-in-law, Yasser, was appointed Minister of Interior.

This is the inheritance of influence and privilege, not the promotion of competence.

Those responsible appear entirely indifferent to public opposition to such practices, acting without shame or accountability.