Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi confirmed that his government is moving to launch a comprehensive economic and financial reform program, based on diversifying the sources of the national economy and reducing dependence on a single resource, while stressing that the next stage should be based on partnership and overcoming political differences.
Al-Zaidi said, during the ceremony of assuming the duties of Prime Minister, that his government’s gaining the confidence of the House of Representatives came at a “delicate moment” in Iraq’s history, requiring hard work for the present and future of Iraqis, considering that parliamentary confidence represents a “covenant and commitment” before the people and history.
He indicated that his government would place at the top of its priorities the fight against corruption and the protection of public funds, stressing that corruption had transformed from an “administrative defect” into an obstacle to development and delaying the state’s progress.
He explained that the government program focuses on activating the productive sectors and supporting investment and the private sector, in addition to launching development projects to provide job opportunities and reduce unemployment rates, while adopting the principle of equal opportunities away from favoritism and discrimination.
He added that the government will give the education and health sectors special priority by developing curricula, rehabilitating schools and universities, and supporting academic institutions, as well as improving medical services, developing hospitals and health centers, and providing medicines in cities and rural areas.
Al-Zaidi stressed that the services and infrastructure file “will not remain hostage to deferred promises,” pointing to the trend towards implementing strategic projects in various service sectors, and consolidating the concept of the state of institutions and the rule of law.
Regarding foreign affairs, the Prime Minister stressed Iraq's commitment to strengthening its Arab, regional and international relations on the basis of mutual respect, in parallel with consolidating security and stability and protecting the country's sovereignty.
He also expressed his appreciation for the supreme religious authority, praising its role in maintaining societal peace, along with religious and national institutions in various components of the country.
Al-Zaidi concluded by saying that the path of reform “may be difficult, but it is not impossible,” pledging to work to provide job opportunities and improve the living and service conditions of Iraqis.
