Cabinet Approves Series of Decisions Including Anti-Corruption and Ending Official Assignments

The regular cabinet meeting held today, Tuesday, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi, witnessed the issuance of firm directives to identify and dismiss any deputy minister or director-general facing suspicions of corruption. The Council affirmed, based on broad support from the Coordination Framework leaders and other political forces, that no individual involved in corruption cases would be protected. The Prime Minister commenced the session by referring to the recent meeting of the Coordination Framework, which reflected significant endorsement of the government's anti-corruption measures. Al-Zaydi emphasized to the ministers the necessity of identifying and removing any official tainted by corruption suspicions, warning that government procedures would hold the concerned minister responsible for keeping any director-general or deputy in their position if such suspicions exist. As part of the government's efforts to provide services during the blessed Arbaeen pilgrimage, the Cabinet approved the allocation of 52.5 billion Iraqi dinars to relevant entities and holy shrines. It also sanctioned the leasing of 2,400 buses, in addition to available government vehicles and buses, to ensure sufficient transport for pilgrims following the conclusion of the pilgrimage. To secure the energy sector's needs, the Council approved authorizing the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) to import gas oil for the Ministry of Electricity. The Cabinet also voted to transfer ownership of residential units in the Al-Rehab residential complex in Basra to the beneficiaries, provided that the investor pays the sale price if applicable. The Council instructed the Basra Governorate to conduct an administrative investigation against those responsible for any shortcomings in this matter, to ensure no public funds are harmed. Aiming to strengthen contract regulations, the Council approved an amendment to its Resolution No. 126 of 2026. This amendment stipulates the non-renewal of performance bond letters for all contracts if there are unpaid entitlements exceeding the value of the bond letter. The decision emphasized that contracting parties should retain these amounts and not disburse them except according to approved mechanisms. In the context of regulating electricity generator management, the Cabinet voted to oblige all government institutions and governorates to register both government and private generators on the central platform designated for generator management, which was launched on the national "Uoor" platform. To enhance environmental oversight mechanisms, the Council approved the issuance of the first amendment project to the Ozone Depleting Substances Control System No. 5 of 2012, based on Environmental Improvement Law No. 27 of 2009. Also in the environmental sector, the Cabinet authorized the Minister of Environment, or whomever she designates, to negotiate and sign the letter between the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) regarding co-financing within a project funded by the Green Climate Fund, aimed at "strengthening climate-resilient livelihoods for food-insecure people in Southern Iraq." To enhance bilateral cooperation and partnerships, the Council approved authorizing the Minister of Trade, or whomever he designates, to negotiate and sign three draft agreements for economic, commercial, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation between Iraq and each of Turkmenistan, Slovenia, and Romania. The Council also voted to terminate the assignment of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Council from their positions, based on State Council Resolution No. 68 of 2026. The Council decided to withdraw the previous recommendation submitted to the Iraqi Council of Representatives regarding these two positions, while emphasizing that the Integrity Commission should take necessary actions concerning the violations mentioned in the audit team's report and recommendations.