Baghdad: The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, affirmed on Saturday that the evaluation of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government after 100 days since its formation should not be limited to the number of days it has spent in power, but rather to the direction it has chosen since the beginning of its work, noting that the government assumed responsibility in a very complex Iraqi situation.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Saleh stated that the government came to power in an intricate Iraqi environment marked by an economy heavily reliant on oil, a state burdened by a long-standing administrative and financial legacy, deep-rooted corruption, security and sovereignty challenges, and increasing social pressure seeking job opportunities, services, and a decent life. He emphasized that the al-Zaidi government is tackling these issues not as separate crises but as parts of a single problem, aiming to build the state and restore its capability to manage resources and interests effectively.
Saleh highlighted that the anti-corruption file has been prioritized by the government, moving the fight against corruption from mere political discourse to a more institutional path involving oversight, recovering public funds, and holding those involved accountable. He noted that corruption has been one of the biggest obstacles to state-building for many years, and transforming the fight against it into a declared and ongoing battle is a significant step forward.
The al-Zaidi government is not only managing the existing economy but also proposing reforms to its structure, including program-based budgeting, reforming the banking sector, developing tax and customs systems, supporting the private sector, and creating new tools for financing development and investment. Saleh stressed the need to diversify the economy to build a real labor market and reshape the Iraqi middle class based on work, production, and efficiency.
Saleh explained that Iraq cannot rely solely on government jobs to build its future and stressed the importance of creating opportunities outside the state for various professionals. The government’s success will be measured not only by the investments it attracts but also by the number of productive jobs it creates and its ability to transform investment into economic activity that benefits citizens.
At the state and sovereignty level, Saleh emphasized that building a strong economy cannot be separated from building a strong state. He highlighted the government’s efforts to monopolize weapons and restore national decision-making, noting the importance of a stable investment environment and institutions operating according to the law.
Regarding the energy sector, Saleh noted that the government’s approach to electricity and energy is foundational for industry, investment, and production. He stated that the government’s energy and investment moves are part of a broader project to transform Iraq from an economy that consumes its resources to one that can invest them.
Saleh concluded by acknowledging the courage of the al-Zaidi government in addressing difficult issues such as corruption, oil revenues, public finance, energy, and investment. He emphasized that the government’s success in transforming its proposals into sustainable policies and tangible results will reshape the relationship between the state, the economy, and the citizen. The first hundred days have shown the government’s commitment to addressing long-postponed issues, which may be its first real achievement.