Baghdad: Today’s newspapers in Baghdad have centered their attention on the reasons behind the delay in releasing budget schedules, pointing to a financial liquidity crisis impacting the government.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, emphasized the existence of a financial liquidity crisis as confirmed by the Parliamentary Finance Committee. Committee member MP Haider Al-Mutairi revealed that the Minister of Finance, during a committee meeting, acknowledged the crisis as a direct cause for the delay in releasing funding tables.

Al-Mutairi explained that unresolved issues concerning the region have significantly affected expected revenues and have been a key factor in the failure to present the budget tables. He also highlighted the absence of real solutions to boost non-oil revenues, which has exacerbated the liquidity deficit and disrupted budget schedules. Furthermore, he addressed the suspension of bonuses and promotions as per Min
istry of Finance Circular (555), clarifying that administrative entitlements would be calculated from the due date, contingent upon the approval of the schedules.

In a related report by Al-Sabah newspaper, a government advisor reassured the state’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations despite challenges. The Prime Minister’s Financial Advisor, Dr. Madhhar Mohammed Salih, stated that the government has managed to honor its commitments, notwithstanding hindrances in executing the oil agreement with the Kurdistan Region and the impact of global oil price fluctuations. He detailed that the budget remains under the Financial Management Law, which has shown resilience amid past crises, supported by foreign exchange reserves and coordinated operational policies.

Al-Zaman newspaper addressed the controversy surrounding the Independent High Electoral Commission’s decision to eliminate electoral ink for the upcoming elections. The decision has sparked criticism and fears of potential voter fraud. Experts h
ave warned that bypassing electoral ink could facilitate multiple voting instances if verification systems fail. They urge the commission to reconsider its decision to maintain the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, underscoring the importance of voter confidence in ensuring political stability.