Iraq to vote on 2027 budget in September, government spokesman says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi government spokesman Haydar Abbud said on Monday that the Council of Ministers will vote on the draft general budget for 2027 in September. Speaking at a press conference, Abbud said the budget's fiscal deficit will be based on the Financial Administration Law and will not exceed 3 percent. Abbud added that the Ministry of Finance is carrying out the preparations and procedures needed to complete the law. The 2027 budget will be program-based and will include programs targeting the electricity and development sectors, he said, noting that the programs cover the cities of Salahaddin and Diwaniyah. The spokesman said the file on contracting employees being moved onto permanent payrolls is under review at the Ministry of Finance. He also said that, under the prime minister's authority, the Ministry of Oil is allocating 35 liters of fuel per kilowatt to generator owners. Abbud said Iraqi crude oil exports have risen and have not fallen below 2 million barrels per day.