The Role of the Parliament in Approving State Financial Affairs (The Iraqi Budget Law - Triennial - for the Years 2023-2025 as a Model)

Abstract

The tools used in public finance for the state are the budget, as it is prepared and executed to achieve various objectives and goals, including political, economic, social, and financial ones. In addition, it serves the public interest as the legislative document that determines the state's financial situation during the fiscal year and reflects the government's directions and policies during that period and its goals through the general budget. The budget must encompass both general revenues and expenditures, which are approved by parliament during the fiscal year. Therefore, the general budget is an administrative act, as it includes the total amount to be spent within the fiscal year and the revenues to be obtained. The general budget must be legislated by the legislative authority to give it a legal form as a legislative act issued by the legislative authority according to the procedures specified in the state's constitution. Thus, parliamentary councils play a significant role in state financial affairs, given the importance of public funds in providing a better life for citizens and achieving the society's goals. One of the most important financial matters is the general budget, as it represents the state's financial face through which decisions regarding general revenues and expenditures are made. Therefore, the constitution and related laws specify a specific date for the government to submit the draft law of the general budget to the House of Representatives each year for scrutiny and decision-making. The House may approve it as presented by the executive authority or after making some amendments. The House's decision may also be negative by rejecting the financial allocations for government programs and projects included in the draft. The process of approving the draft law of the general budget raises a matter of utmost importance concerning the House's right to amend and reject the draft after the government has prepared it based on lengthy technical procedures and studies. The focus of the research is on the Iraqi Budget Law (the Triennial Budget) for the years 2023-2025 through voting on it and examining the legality of the budget, as this case is a new type in Iraq by following its procedures and outcomes and its compatibility with the State Financial Management Law.