Baghdad: Today’s newspapers highlight Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s announcement of the commencement of preparations for a “program and performance budget,” emphasizing that there are no red lines in the fight against corruption. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the announcement marks a significant shift in Iraq’s approach to economic governance and anti-corruption measures.

Al-Sabah newspaper reported that the government, in collaboration with oversight and international institutions, is entering a new phase of tackling financial and administrative corruption. This phase focuses on preventative oversight, recovering funds, extradition of wanted individuals, and strengthening the legislative role of the Council of Representatives to support economic reform.

The newspaper also noted the critical role of the Council of Representatives in the success of the government’s strategy. During a meeting with the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Prime Minister al-Zaidi, alongside the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank, highlighted the importance of Parliament in backing the reform program and removing all barriers to addressing corruption.

For the first time, preparations are underway for a “program and performance budget,” designed to link government spending to tangible results, thereby safeguarding public funds and laying the foundation for a “new economic Iraq.” The Parliamentary Finance Committee has expressed its full support for government directives and proposed legislation to bolster non-oil sectors.

On the legislative front, the House of Representatives plans to lift the immunity surrounding corruption funds by including the first reading of the “Recovering the Proceeds of Corruption” bill in its upcoming session. This legislative move is part of a broader government strategy, which includes coordination between the Iraqi judiciary and Interpol to target corrupt individuals who have fled the country.

These initiatives are backed by the United Nations program. The director of the UN Anti-Corruption Project, Yama Turabi, confirmed ongoing work on the draft law for asset recovery and the digital transformation of courts. Legal expert Dr. Safaa al-Shammari described these efforts as crucial to closing loopholes and expediting the freezing of funds.

Furthermore, the Federal Board of Supreme Audit announced a strategic shift toward “pre-audit” processes for government contracts, aiming to ensure the integrity of procedures and prevent financial or legal issues against the state treasury.

Al-Zawraa newspaper emphasized Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s commitment to pursuing corrupt individuals without reservation, with specific focus on the electricity sector. The Prime Minister stressed the necessity of Parliament’s oversight role in supporting these government efforts.

In addition, Prime Minister al-Zaidi received an official invitation from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit Tokyo. This invitation reflects Japan’s interest in strengthening economic and investment ties with Iraq, with both countries expressing a commitment to deepening their partnership.

The independent newspaper Sawt Al-Qalam echoed the Prime Minister’s assertion that “there are no red lines in pursuing the corrupt,” underscoring the program and performance budget as a roadmap for Iraq’s economic future.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated that coordination between the executive and legislative branches is crucial for addressing inherited challenges and executing a clear vision for reform. With international interest in investing in Iraq, the government is focused on creating a conducive environment for investments and revitalizing various economic sectors.

The Prime Minister has called for regular meetings with parliamentary committees to enhance coordination and communication between the government and Parliament. The Parliamentary Finance Committee has pledged full support for the government’s initiatives, emphasizing the importance of non-oil economic activities and attracting international investments to drive development and job creation.