Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani emphasized the importance of amending the budget law to address the oil production costs in the Kurdistan region, as proposed by the government, without any changes.
In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s media office on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, it was reported that al-Sudani hosted a meeting at the government palace with the heads of parliamentary blocs. The meeting was attended by Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Mashhadani, along with his deputies, Mohsen Ali al-Mandalawi and Shakhwan Abdullah.
The statement noted that the meeting focused on reviewing the progress of implementing the government’s program and the importance of supporting government steps to complete vital service and economic projects that directly impact citizens’ lives. It also addressed ways to enhance cooperation between the legislative and executive branches to achieve developmental goals and priorities.
Al-Sudani emphasized that the federal budget law is a cornerstone for implementing the government’s commitments, aligning with the national interest. The recent amendment proposed by the government to the law was discussed, particularly regarding the cost of oil production in the Kurdistan region.
The statement quoted al-Sudani reaffirming the government’s commitment to the text that addresses the costs of oil production per barrel, which was approved by the Cabinet during its 45th meeting on November 5, 2024. This was also confirmed in a letter from the government’s representative to the parliament, dated January 23, 2025. The same text was approved by the Parliamentary Finance Committee.
Al-Sudani stressed the importance of the Iraqi Parliament passing this amendment unchanged, in order to move forward with the country’s development plans, in line with Iraq’s economic interests and the vision laid out in the government program, which was endorsed by the parliament.
For their part, the Speaker of the Parliament, his deputies, and the heads of the parliamentary blocs expressed their full support for adopting the government’s proposed amendment to the budget law. They also emphasized backing the government’s plans and programs to serve the greater interests of the Iraqi people everywhere.
