Baghdad:Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi led the Cabinet’s twentieth regular session on Saturday, focusing on the country’s general developments and reviewing key issues. Important decisions were made concerning national events and projects.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Cabinet decided to suspend official working hours at state institutions from September 30 to October 3 in recognition of Iraq’s “Sovereignty Days,” with work resuming on October 4.

The Cabinet also made exceptions for the Ministry of Education, allowing a one-time exemption from standard contracting procedures to meet examination requirements. Additionally, the Mayor of Baghdad was authorized to negotiate an agreement with the World Bank for the “Integrated Services and Healthy Rivers” project.

In a property-related decision, the Cabinet allowed new lease agreements for certain premises in Kirkuk Governorate, bypassing usual public announcement and auction requirements. This aligns with the amended Law on the Sale and Lease of State Property.

To enhance border infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the transfer of land ownership in Nineveh Governorate to the Border Ports Commission without compensation. This aims to facilitate border crossing development in line with legal and regulatory standards.

The health sector will see improvements with increased funding for the Ibn Sina Hospital rehabilitation project in Baghdad, while also reducing overall project costs.

The Council of Ministers also empowered the Ministerial Council for Economy to adjust judicial fees and amend a previous decision to include “not exceeding” before all fine amounts, alongside adjusting these amounts.

Finally, the Cabinet approved public announcements for the positions of Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Federal Public Service Council, with applications to be submitted within one month from October 15, 2026. A committee will oversee the nomination process, as designated by a prior council decision.