The Iraq reform push has moved to the centre of Baghdad’s political agenda. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi plans to complete his cabinet before a planned Washington visit. Moreover, his government wants to present a more stable image abroad. The move links domestic reform with international economic outreach.
Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said al-Zaidi does not plan to seek a future election. He also said the premier does not plan to form a new political party. Therefore, Baghdad wants to show that the current government focuses on state work. The message aims to reduce fears about political ambition.
This position gives al-Zaidi a reform-focused image. It also separates his government from Iraq’s usual election rivalries. Furthermore, the announcement suggests that the prime minister wants results over party growth. His team now wants to focus on governance, institutions, and economic stability.
The cabinet formation plan carries major importance. Baghdad wants a complete ministerial team before the Washington trip. In addition, officials want stronger coordination across ministries before major foreign talks. A full cabinet could help Iraq speak with a clearer voice.
The Washington visit will focus on economic cooperation with the United States. Baghdad wants more investment, stronger partnerships and wider support for reform. Moreover, Iraq hopes to attract foreign capital into key sectors. This goal requires political calm and stronger administrative planning.
Regional diplomacy also shapes Baghdad’s calculations. Al-Aboudi said Iraq supports any peaceful settlement between Washington and Tehran. He added that lower regional tensions would help Iraq’s stability. Therefore, Baghdad views diplomacy as part of its economic strategy.
Iraq needs a calmer neighborhood to attract investors. Foreign companies often assess security risks before entering major projects. In addition, proxy conflicts can delay infrastructure and energy development. Because of that, Baghdad wants less regional pressure on its economy.
At home, al-Zaidi’s government also wants stronger state authority. Al-Aboudi said recent changes in security and intelligence bodies support modernization. He denied that the reshuffles target officials for punishment. Instead, he described the changes as part of wider institutional reform.
The government also wants all weapons under state control. This goal remains central to Iraq’s security agenda. Moreover, officials say stronger institutions can reduce disorder and protect public life. The effort also supports the government’s wider reform message.
However, al-Aboudi said corruption poses Iraq’s greatest danger. He described corruption as a major threat to the country’s political system. Therefore, the prime minister plans to keep anti-corruption work as a top priority. This issue could define the rest of his government’s term.
The government also wants stronger budget discipline. Al-Aboudi said Baghdad aims to complete the next draft budget early. Officials want to send it to Parliament through legal channels. Consequently, the government hopes to improve fiscal planning and predictability.
Meanwhile, Baghdad has tried to ease tensions with the Kurdistan Region. Salary payments remain one of the most sensitive issues between both sides. Al-Aboudi said civil servant salaries across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region face no problems. He added that the government will pay salaries on time each month.
Federal finance officials have started the salary funding process for ministries. After that, Baghdad will send the Kurdistan Region’s share to the KRG finance account. Moreover, Erbil has submitted payroll lists and financial audits. Once funds reach the account, the KRG plans quick salary distribution.
Digital salary reform also supports this coordination. The Kurdistan Region’s MyAccount project has reached a major milestone. Around 900,000 public sector employees have joined the system. In addition, more than 800,000 workers now receive salaries through digital payments.
This financial shift reduces reliance on cash systems. It also gives employees faster access to their salaries. Furthermore, digital payment systems can improve transparency and reduce administrative delays. That progress supports wider financial modernization in the region.
For al-Zaidi, these domestic steps matter before the Washington visit. He wants to show progress on cabinet formation, salaries, and institutional reform. Moreover, he wants to show investors that Iraq can manage internal disputes. This message could strengthen Baghdad’s international position.
Overall, Iraq’s reform push combines politics, finance, security, and diplomacy. The prime minister wants to complete his cabinet and avoid future election campaigns. He also wants to reassure Erbil, fight corruption,n and deepen U.S. economic ties. If Baghdad delivers, Iraq could present a stronger reform image abroad.
