Iraqi lawmaker urges electricity minister to launch 'Dawn Operation' audit of ministry

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A member of the Iraqi Parliament's Electricity and Energy Committee has called on Prime Minister Ali Zeydi to launch a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Electricity, citing corruption that the lawmaker said has disrupted supply and worsened power cuts across the country. Nure al-Jahshi said Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahebi bears responsibility for the ministry's current failures, arguing that the minister should not be held accountable for problems predating his tenure but will be answerable for any disruptions going forward. Al-Jahshi urged the minister to visit the field personally and inspect directorates, power plants, and maintenance and collection centers. He said the committee had visited the ministry but received harsh responses and was not allowed to carry out its oversight role. The lawmaker pressed the ministry to address deficiencies identified in directorates general and in maintenance and collection units, saying those responsible should be removed from their positions if necessary. He added that the minister himself has no corruption record, and that the problems are concentrated among certain directorates, branches, and maintenance and collection units. Large protests have been held in central and southern Iraqi cities in recent days over power outages, with demonstrators calling for accountability from those accused of corruption, according to the lawmaker.