Cash-strapped Kadhimi cabinet struggles to make budget cuts

Cash-strapped Kadhimi cabinet struggles to make budget cuts

The problem is getting worse every year: More than 800,000 Iraqis enter the workforce annually, expecting to be appointed to a public sector job.. But the damage was done: Parliament swiftly voted against any salary cuts and delayed another vote on internal or external borrowing, which could have helped the government tap cash immediately.. The public backlash could scupper the government's structural reform plans, which include some salary cuts to senior state workers.. Kadhimi has also pledged to audit the state stipend programme, which includes not only pensions but also payouts to Iraqis exiled or jailed under Saddam's regime.. His comments have sparked protests by former political prisoners and relatives of exiled Iraqis who are against any cuts..