Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeydi has opened the door to a new era in the country's politics and security with his 'no' policy launched after his government won a vote of confidence in parliament on May 14. Taking a clear stance against corruption, unregulated weapons, and a second term candidacy, al-Zeydi turned these principles into concrete actions in just 47 days.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption
Prime Minister al-Zeydi, in a press interview, described corruption as a threat to the state's existence, stating:
There is no immunity for any corrupt person. I will pursue every thief day and night. The people's money will be returned.
In its first cabinet meeting, the government required ministers to declare their assets within a week. At the second meeting, it was decided to use international relations for the recovery of stolen assets. In the seventh meeting, investment contracts with change orders (oyar) exceeding 25 percent were suspended to prevent fictitious contracts. Oyar refers to amendment lists that change the quantity of materials during a project or add new work not in the original plan.
In the eighth meeting, a 35 percent fixed income tax on foreign oil companies and a decision for private universities to pay taxes without exception were voted on for the first time. The peak of the process occurred last Sunday, when individuals, including parliament members and high-ranking officials, were detained on charges of financial and administrative corruption linked to the arrested Deputy Undersecretary of the Oil Ministry, Adnan al-Jumeili. Authorities announced the seizure of approximately $23 million in cash, 70 properties, 21 luxury vehicles, and nearly 3 kilograms of gold jewelry.
End to Unregulated Weapons
In the area of internal security, the government took steps to collect weapons held by some armed groups. The planned 'National Sovereignty Conference', scheduled for the end of the year, aims to ensure that arms are held only by the state. Prime Minister al-Zeydi stressed that no external imposition would be allowed on this matter. Decisions regarding the governance of revenues and public funds were made within the Cabinet, and the 'Federal Internal Audit Agency' bill was submitted to parliament. This step aims to end the phenomenon of weapons outside official institutions.
Rejection of a Second Term and Economic Transformation
On the political front, al-Zeydi, by announcing he would not run in the elections scheduled for four years later, aimed to renew trust. In the economy, he presented a vision to reduce dependence on oil, diversify income sources, and establish an 'Energy and Development Fund' to attract investments.
Support from the US
Al-Zeydi received notable external support when US President Donald Trump called him on April 30 to congratulate him on taking office and invited him to Washington. The visit is expected to take place in mid-July.
Observers view the 'no' policies of the al-Zeydi government, formed after complex political negotiations within the 'Framework Coordination' alliance, as a practical test of its capacity to dismantle centers of influence and consolidate state authority. It is stated that the main determining factor in the coming period will be the extent to which these decisions can be implemented on the ground.
