Government: Recovered Corruption Funds Not for Budgets, but for Deficit Reduction and Project Financing

Muzhar Muhammad Salih, the Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister, affirmed Tuesday that funds recovered from corrupt individuals are exceptional revenues, not to be relied upon for general budget preparation, yet they contribute to deficit reduction and project funding. Salih clarified these monies are "important, non-recurring exceptional revenues," thus not permanently dependable for budget formulation, though they serve as a key source for financial planning. He indicated funds are often directed "to cover deficit gaps, finance specific projects directly affecting individuals' lives, or bolster the nation's financial reserves." He stressed they are "not for building the annual budget within a long-term fiscal policy, as this links to fiscal policy's ceilings and capabilities in budget preparation and execution." Salih emphasized that "recovering corruption funds is paramount; it reduces financial waste, supports the public treasury, and enhances confidence of citizens, investors, and the international financial community in the country's economic system." He concluded that while recovered funds are a vital economic support tool, they "are not a complete substitute for the general budget, as this depends on public expenditure volume and ceilings."