Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi visited the headquarters of the Federal Commission of Integrity today, where he met with the Chairman of the Commission and its senior staff, reviewing its working mechanisms and efforts to combat corruption and protect public funds.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Federal Commission of Integrity is not just a physical institution but a pivotal entity with integrity and the preservation of public funds at its core. He highlighted the significant challenge posed by corruption and positioned the Commission as the primary defense line in this battle, as stated in a release from the PM Media Office.

Al-Zaidi underscored that the Commission’s responsibilities should transcend mere oversight to include preventative measures, aiming to dismantle the corruption system entirely. He stressed the importance of monitoring projects within governorates in the same rigorous manner as ministry projects.

The Prime Minister directed a tiered monitoring approach based on project size and cost, starting with high-cost projects, followed by medium and small projects, to optimize oversight efforts. He also ordered the activation of the Informants Reward Law, reinforced oversight at border crossings, and the exposure of corrupt individuals, along with the submission of monthly and quarterly reports detailing anti-corruption efforts and progress made in this area.

In response, the Chairman of the Commission expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s support and confirmed the formation of field teams dedicated to auditing contracts at state institutions. These teams have completed audits at eight ministries, with ongoing work at other institutions. He further noted the completion of the National Strategy for Integrity and Anti-Corruption, which is set to extend through 2030, and assured readiness to advance in combating corruption and safeguarding public funds.