Iraq's PM says first program-and-performance budget to guide economic roadmap

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zidi met with the head and members of Parliament's Finance Committee, together with the finance minister and the governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, to strengthen coordination between the executive and legislative branches. According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Press Office, al-Zidi said the government has prepared a program-and-performance-based budget for the first time and described it as a roadmap for the country's economic future. The prime minister said the new budget framework is designed to tie public spending to specific goals and results and to improve the efficient use of public resources. He stressed that the electricity file will receive exceptional attention, adding that there is no red line in the fight against corruption and that the government is working to build a new economic Iraq. Al-Zidi also said major global companies have shown strong interest in investing in Iraq and that international financial institutions are prepared to support the country economically. The Finance Committee chair expressed full support for the government, while committee members presented proposals to revitalize non-oil economic activity, improve the investment climate and expand employment opportunities. No further details on the budget timeline were immediately available.