Maliki's 'ministry owner should answer' remarks spark political debate in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, said in a recent statement that the party running a ministry should be held accountable for what happens inside it. His remarks revived discussion of the Oil Ministry portfolio previously held by the State of Law Coalition and long linked to corruption allegations. Political observers said Maliki's call for accountability from the party controlling the ministry contradicts his coalition's public stance of keeping distance from corruption cases tied to that portfolio. The debate has centered on how political parties exercise oversight over the ministries they run and how responsibility for the use of public resources is shared. Maliki's comments have also prompted calls within political circles for previously closed files linked to the ministry's tenure to be reopened and reviewed. No official response from the Oil Ministry or from rival parties was immediately available.