Baghdad: Finance Minister Faleh Sari confirmed that the first phase of the program and performance budget will include the electricity sector and the governorates of Diwaniyah and Salah al-Din, with a gradual expansion to include all state institutions over the next three years.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ministry stated in a press release that this announcement came during a meeting held by the minister with the Parliamentary Finance Committee on Tuesday. This meeting was part of early coordination for preparing the upcoming budget in cooperation with the Council of Representatives and the World Bank.

The minister explained that the Ministry of Electricity was chosen for this phase because this sector has consumed large sums of money in recent years without achieving the desired results. This situation necessitated the adoption of a program budget to ensure that spending is directed towards sustainable solutions and measurable outcomes.

He added that the governorates of Diwaniyah and Salah al-Din were selected due to their need to accelerate service and development projects. This selection allows resources to be directed according to actual priorities and aims to achieve the best use of financial allocations.

The minister also briefed the committee members on the current financial situation and the measures taken by the ministry to meet its financial obligations. Additionally, he discussed efforts to maximize non-oil revenues, thus ensuring the continued funding of projects and essential services for citizens.

The meeting witnessed a convergence of views on financial reform priorities, with an emphasis on continued coordination between the executive and legislative branches. This cooperation aims to ensure the success of the upcoming budget and achieve the goals of financial and administrative reform.