Baghdad: Finance Minister Falih Sari declared on Thursday that Iraq is steadfast in its commitment to transitioning from traditional line-item budgeting to a program- and performance-based budgeting system for the upcoming general budget. The minister emphasized that this decision is irreversible, underscoring a significant shift in the country’s economic strategy.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Minister Sari made this announcement during a meeting with committees tasked with preparing the new budgeting system. The meeting, which he chaired, included the presence of lawmakers, a delegation from the Kurdistan Region, and the governor of Salah al-Din. During the session, Sari reiterated the ministry’s resolve to implement the transition in the forthcoming budget cycle.

“This is a decision taken by the ministry, and there can be no going back on it under any circumstances,” Sari asserted, highlighting the strategic importance of moving towards program-based budgeting. He described this transition as a “shift toward a new economic outlook for the country,” emphasizing its potential to modernize Iraq’s fiscal management.

Sari also pointed out the necessity of integrating automation into budget processes, stating that “automation helps eliminate or reduce corruption, enables the country to keep pace with developed nations, and saves time and reduces the human effort involved in every process.” He stressed that the Budget Department would play a crucial role in preparing and overseeing the implementation of the new budget framework.