Baghdad, Iraq- The Iraqi Cabinet held its 7th regular session on Tuesday, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammed S. Al-Sudani. The meeting centered around a comprehensive review of ongoing government programs and the development of strategies to address key challenges facing the nation. Discussions spanned a wide range of critical areas, including economic development, improvements to public services, and significant investments in infrastructure. The Cabinet’s deliberations resulted in several important decisions aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Iraqi citizens.
One key area of focus was the streamlining of working hours. The Cabinet decided to reinstate the authority of university councils to set their own schedules, effective March 2, 2025. This move is intended to provide greater flexibility and responsiveness to the specific needs of the academic community. Additionally, several ministries, including the Ministry of Oil, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Diwan of Christian, Yazidi, and Sabean-Mandaean Endowments, will adopt adjusted working hours, operating from 7 AM to 2 PM.
Recognizing the growing problem of traffic congestion, particularly in the capital city of Baghdad, the Cabinet established a dedicated technical team. This team, headed by the Deputy Chief of the Advisory Board, will be responsible for conducting a thorough analysis of traffic patterns and proposing effective solutions to improve traffic flow. As part of the strategy to alleviate congestion, the Cabinet approved a measure to encourage the use of public transportation. Employees who utilize mass transit will be granted a 30-minute grace period, providing an incentive to choose public transport over private vehicles.
Infrastructure development was another significant focus of the Cabinet meeting. Several projects were approved for completion, including much-needed road repairs in Baghdad and the construction of a new road in Nineveh Governorate. The Cabinet also approved increased funding for two critical infrastructure projects: the Basra Grand Water Project and the rehabilitation of the Baghdad-Karbala Road. These investments are aimed at improving essential services and facilitating transportation across the country.
The Cabinet also addressed the critical issue of energy, authorizing the conversion of the Qayyarah Gas Power Plant from simple-cycle to combined-cycle operation. This conversion is expected to significantly increase the plant’s efficiency and contribute to a more stable and reliable power supply. Further support was pledged for other energy projects, including ensuring adequate gas supplies for industrial plants, a move designed to boost economic activity and industrial growth.
In a move aimed at recognizing and supporting top graduates and holders of higher degrees, the Cabinet approved the activation of 5,903 job positions. These positions, previously allocated in earlier budgets, will provide opportunities for qualified individuals to contribute to the nation’s development. The Cabinet also reviewed and approved two important pieces of legislation: the Anti-Migrant Smuggling Law and the Law on the Prohibition of Torture and Inhumane Treatment. These bills will now be submitted to Parliament for further review and consideration.
Finally, in anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan, the Cabinet approved a one-hour reduction in daily working hours for ministries. This adjustment will be implemented from March 2 to March 31, 2025, allowing employees to better observe the holy month. These decisions collectively demonstrate the Iraqi government’s commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges, improving public services, and fostering economic growth for the benefit of all Iraqi citizens.
