MP: Tax increase by government decree is a constitutional violation and an overreach of parliamentary powers
Member of Parliament, Mona al-Gharabi, confirmed on Wednesday that the caretaker prime minister’s raising of tax rates is a clear violation of constitutional provisions and an overreach of legislative authority.
In a statement received by the Information Agency, al-Gharabi said, “The measures taken by the Council of Ministers regarding raising taxes are a clear violation of the constitution, and their implementation outside the legal and constitutional framework cannot be permitted.”
She explained that “the measures taken by the Council of Ministers to raise taxes lack constitutional and legal basis, as imposing or amending taxes is the exclusive prerogative of the Council of Representatives, according to Article (28/First) of the Iraqi Constitution.”
She added that “the aforementioned article stipulates that taxes and fees shall not be imposed, amended, collected, or exempted except by law.”
Al-Gharabi emphasized, “We, as members of the Council of Representatives, will stand against this governmental blundering, given its direct negative impact on Iraqi citizens, who are currently experiencing anxiety and confusion due to ill-conceived government measures that impose additional financial burdens on them.”
She emphasized that “protecting citizens’ rights and respecting constitutional provisions is a non-negotiable priority under any circumstances.”
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