Skip to main content

Iraq passes $89 billion federal budget bill

The budget confronted issues of unemployment, currency devaluation and non-oil revenues and was passed as lawmakers prepare for October's general election; the challenge is implementation.
Iraqis stand outside the parliament building, or Council of Representatives, in Baghdad's Green Zone on Feb. 27, 2020.

It took four months, six tries and many more delays before Iraq’s 2021 federal budget bill passed on March 31 after intensive negotiations.

The current bill seeks to address the country’s challenges over growing unemployment, delays in handing out salaries, pensions, rife corruption and plummeting oil prices. The government is now tasked with implementing the bill ahead of the country’s October elections.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.