Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has intensified efforts to expedite the completion of procedures related to the ambitious one million residential land plot initiative, as the government also continues to focus on its anti-corruption campaign.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper highlighted that Prime Minister al-Zaidi has instructed relevant authorities, ministries, and governorates to hasten the procedural aspects of the residential land initiative. This directive was given during a meeting of the Higher Committee for the Million Plots of Residential Land Initiative, chaired by the Prime Minister. The project is aimed at distributing land to families without property, addressing the housing crisis, and providing suitable housing for citizens. Al-Zaidi praised the progress achieved in surveying and allocating the land, as well as the cooperation shown by the governors.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office emphasized the importance of the initiative in supporting various segments
of Iraqi society. In addition, the Supreme Population Council, chaired by al-Zaidi, issued recommendations to increase health centers offering family planning services and enhance newborn care services, among other measures.

The independent newspaper Sawt Al-Qalam reported that the Iraqi government spokesperson, Haider Al-Aboudi, noted the government’s rejection of a proposal to retain some international coalition forces beyond September 30th. He also discussed the upcoming 2027 budget, which is set to differ from previous budgets by focusing on programs and performance.

Al-Aboudi further highlighted ongoing measures to release one million plots of land, restrict weapons to the state, and pursue the anti-corruption campaign. He indicated that judicial orders have been crucial in this campaign, with significant funds being recovered. On the economic front, the government is focusing on diversifying revenue sources and maintaining regular exports.

Al-Sabah newspaper reported on recent developments in the ant
i-corruption campaign, including the seizure of significant sums of money and properties linked to a detained official’s office. The Federal Integrity Commission also prevented the waste of 19 billion dinars by stopping a property bidding process in Anbar.

Al-Zaman newspaper added that the government plans to vote on the draft budget for next year in September. Prime Minister al-Zaidi is also scheduled to visit France and Germany to discuss security matters and expand foreign relations.

The National Iraqi News Agency noted that the draft budget law’s preparation is complex, and there are doubts about meeting the legal deadline for submission to parliament. The budget is expected to transition to a program-based model, reflecting the government’s vision for Iraq’s economic identity.