Iraqi PM Al-Zeydi Warns of Cost Inflation Reaching Theft Levels

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zeydi said Tuesday that some project costs have been inflated to unacceptable levels, describing the practice as reaching "theft" proportions. Al-Zeydi chaired the second session of the 2026 Interstate Upper Coordination Council, which brought together ministers, the Prime Ministry Office director, provincial governors, and provincial council chairs. He emphasized that federal government plans must be reflected in local government strategies and that central and local authorities need to coordinate effectively on public service delivery. The prime minister called for transparent oversight and cost reviews of projects, urging contracting companies to contribute to a government housing initiative. He also announced that self-financed projects, particularly in the electricity sector, would be encouraged, with producing provinces receiving 50 percent of generated revenue. The session additionally covered mechanisms for channeling agriculture, energy, land use, and border gate revenues back to relevant provinces. Al-Zeydi also drew attention to weapons remaining outside state institutions, without elaborating further.