Finance Minister Affirms Budget Draft Submission to Cabinet Within Specified Timelines

Finance Minister Faleh Sari affirmed today, Thursday, that the draft 2027 budget law will be submitted to the Council of Ministers within the specified timelines. In preparation for this, the Finance Minister chaired an expanded meeting today, Thursday, for the committees tasked with preparing the program and performance budget project. Attendees included members of the Financial Committee and other parliamentary bodies, along with representatives from the Ministry of Electricity, Diwaniyah and Salah al-Din governorates, and various government institutions. A detailed report on the project's progress, completion stages, and remaining requirements for finalization was reviewed. Through video conferencing, attendees heard insights and observations from Iraqi financial experts abroad. The meeting also featured interventions from MPs and participating entities, with discussions focusing on the project's completion phases, requirements, and implementation challenges of the program budget. The Minister commended the efforts of the committees and teams involved, stressing the importance of continued work and effective coordination among all relevant parties to ensure the budget's completion with a robust methodology. He reiterated that the budget draft will be presented to the Council of Ministers on schedule, emphasizing Iraq's push to approve its first program and performance budget. This new approach will link resource allocation directly to programs and tangible outcomes, signifying a fundamental shift in public spending management.