Government Sets Cabinet Completion Date; Prime Minister Affirms No Election Bid or Party Formation

Government Spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi affirmed Sunday that Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has decided against running in upcoming elections or establishing a political party. Al-Aboudi announced at a press conference the cabinet lineup's completion in the first half of July, ahead of the Washington visit, noting recent security changes aren't punitive, but align with current phase requirements. He added the Iraqi government isn't currently adopting foreign borrowing, asserting Iraq isn't a poor nation and has multiple solutions with recovery signs. He highlighted the electricity file as a government priority, committed to its full resolution. Al-Aboudi underscored Al-Zaidi's non-candidacy and non-establishment of a political party are integral to the government's agenda, ensuring deterrent decisions against the corrupt and negligent. He clarified Al-Zaidi's Washington visit will deeply discuss the Iraq-US partnership across various fields, particularly economic cooperation. Regarding anti-corruption, the spokesperson stated the process will continue, targeting all accused regardless of status, and highlighted a comprehensive review and audit of past contracts. He further mentioned halting stalled projects, over 50 percent funded, for companies lacking proper establishment documents. Additionally, he announced the 2027 budget would be ready by next October, per legal procedures, for submission to the Council of Representatives.