Sanaa:Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi affirmed before Parliament that speculators previously benefited from the exchange rate differential.

According to the Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zaidi, in his speech to the Council of Representatives, stated that he took on the role when the public debt exceeded 208 trillion dinars, with the government needing to secure 10 trillion dinars monthly. Despite the challenges, the government managed to pay salaries.

He outlined three possible strategies compulsory savings with delayed salary payments, distributing salaries every 45 days, or resorting to borrowing, which would further burden the country with debt.

Al-Zaidi highlighted that he assumed office during a period when the economy was under strain due to halted oil exports and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that the previous dollar exchange rate differential was being exploited by speculators.

He announced plans to provide one million residential plots and initiate new city developments, with the foundation stone for projects in Holy Karbala, Holy Najaf, and Nineveh set to be laid soon.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that certain ill-intentioned parties attempted to sow discord between the government and the populace. He assured that next month would see a doubling of payments to farmers and contractors.