Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has directed the establishment of direct and collective responsibility to strengthen oversight of government performance.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Cabinet Secretariat stated in a press release that Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has instructed all ministries to ensure that the relevant minister holds direct responsibility for the overall performance of the ministry. This responsibility extends to the undersecretaries and directors general. The aim of this collective responsibility is to enhance oversight, prevent any shortcomings in job duties, guarantee the smooth and regular operation of public services, ensure the proper application of laws, and achieve efficiency and effectiveness in performance, thereby protecting public funds in line with public interest requirements.

The Cabinet Affairs and Committees Department at the Cabinet Secretariat explained that this directive was issued during the sixteenth regular session of the Cabinet, held on August 24, 2026. It is based on the principle that public service is both a national duty and a social service, aimed at serving the public interest and citizens in accordance with applicable legal regulations.

The department further clarified that the relevant minister is the highest authority within the ministry, responsible for implementing its policies and tasks, overseeing and supervising its activities, and ensuring its proper performance in accordance with legislation.