MP Says Privatizing Traffic Directorates Raised Transaction Costs in Iraq

Baghdad lawmaker Mohammed Qassim al-Hafaji said placing Iraq’s traffic directorates under privatization during the previous government increased the cost of citizens’ transactions. He said each transaction now requires payment of 35,000 dinars, adding that the policy has burdened the public. Al-Hafaji made the remarks in a statement on his social media account. He also said citizens have been harmed and that state land was improperly given to the private operators. The lawmaker said he would later disclose more details on the issue. His comments came as debates over privatization continue in the Iraqi Parliament. Opposition lawmakers are calling for a review of the contracts and operating mechanisms governing the transformation of public services.