Thursday Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 8-6-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  Iraq and the World Bank launch steps to modernize public financial management

The Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with the World Bank, began on Wednesday implementing the requirements for preparing the roadmap for digital transformation and modernizing public financial management, within the framework of the government's program for financial and administrative reform.

The ministry stated in a statement received by Kalima News: that the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, Ali Karim, held a meeting with a World Bank delegation headed by Emmanuel Salinas, in the presence of the Directors General of the Public Debt, Budget and Accounting Departments, and members of the National Digital Transformation Team.

She added that the meeting witnessed the commencement of preparing the executive roadmap for digital transformation in the ministry, through the adoption of an integrated methodology to assess the institutional reality, identify priorities and roles, set timetables and performance indicators, in accordance with best international practices.

The Undersecretary stressed that digital transformation is one of the main pillars of financial and administrative reform, as it provides an enhancement of governance and transparency and raises the efficiency of public financial management.

For its part, the World Bank delegation renewed its commitment to continue providing technical and advisory support and transferring international expertise, which contributes to the implementation of the government program and the development of the financial management system in Iraq.   link

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Tishwash: Al-Zaydi's advisor: The Central Bank's reserves have decreased from $106 billion to $80 billion.

The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Saleh, revealed that the Central Bank of Iraq’s reserves have decreased from about $106 billion to about $80 billion, stressing that this level still represents an indicator of financial stability .

Saleh said in a televised interview followed by Al-Sa’a Network that “the Central Bank’s reserves reached about $106 billion at one point, before gradually decreasing to about $80 billion .”

He added that "the current reserve is still within safe levels and is an indicator of monetary stability, as the central bank continues to secure the needs of the economy and meet its obligations ."

He noted that "inflation remains at low levels, estimated at around 4.5%, which reflects continued economic stability and the absence of significant inflationary pressures ."

Saleh stressed that "what is important for the Central Bank is to maintain monetary stability and ensure the financing of the needs of the state and the

economy, even with the presence of internal debt or a relative decline in the size of reserves  link

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Tishwash:  A government advisor reveals the fate of next month's salaries.

The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Saleh, revealed the outlines of the government’s approach to the salary crisis in the coming period, suggesting that the government will likely delay the disbursement of salaries as a temporary measure to address the liquidity crisis .

Saleh said in a televised interview followed by Al-Sa’a Network that “the government may rely on investing time by delaying the payment of salaries, in order to provide an opportunity to collect the necessary cash flows to cover expenses .”

He explained that "this measure represents a temporary solution and not a permanent one," stressing that "it cannot continue for a long period in light of the ongoing financial crisis and declining revenues ."

He noted that "the coming months will remain difficult if the oil revenue crisis continues," pointing to "a financial gap that necessitates the search for urgent financing solutions ."

Saleh added that "one of the options being considered is external borrowing," explaining that "the current Financial Management Law does not allow borrowing to cover the budget deficit in the current form, which would require new legislation if this option is adopted  link

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Tishwash:  The Central Bank Governor discusses regulating digital payments with the head of the Media and Communications Commission.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Nizar Nasser Hussein, met with the Head of the Executive Authority of the Media and Communications Commission, Mr. Baligh Abu Kalal, to discuss mechanisms for enhancing joint cooperation in regulating digital payment services and developing the legislative and regulatory environment for the digital economy in Iraq.

The meeting addressed mechanisms for regulating the operation of digital applications and electronic payment platforms to ensure their compliance with applicable Iraqi laws and regulations, and to strengthen the regulatory environment that guarantees the protection of users' rights and reinforces the principles of transparency and legal compliance.

The two sides also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism by developing coordination mechanisms between the two institutions, in line with national and international standards, and to maintain the integrity of the financial and digital system in Iraq.

The meeting also addressed the reactivation of financial transactions through the TikTok application and mechanisms for regulating payments to influencers and content creators to ensure their compliance with the legal, tax, and financial frameworks adopted in Iraq, and to safeguard the rights of all parties.

In another area of ​​discussion, the two sides addressed mechanisms for attracting and licensing global digital companies and platforms, including Apple, Google, Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), and other international firms, to operate legally within Iraq. This includes regulating payment processes and the digital services they offer, thereby enhancing confidence in the investment environment and the national digital economy.

They also discussed the memorandum of understanding to be signed between the Central Bank of Iraq and the Communications and Media Commission, aiming to establish an institutional framework for cooperation on shared issues, particularly the regulation of digital payments, financial technologies, and electronic services. This will contribute to supporting digital transformation and strengthening integration among state institutions.

Baghdad - Media Office   link

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Tishwash:  In its regular meeting hosted by President Al-Zaydi, the State Administration declared that those carrying weapons outside the framework of the state will be treated as outlaws.

 On Wednesday evening, August 5, 2026, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi hosted the thirty-seventh periodic meeting of the State Administration Coalition, in the presence of the President of the Republic, the Speaker of Parliament, the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and the leaders of the coalition from the Iraqi national forces, where the overall political, security, economic and service conditions in the country were discussed, as well as regional developments and their repercussions on Iraq.

At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed the efforts to enhance security and stability, improve services, implement the ministerial program, and address economic and financial challenges, stressing that the government places the protection of citizens’ interests at the forefront of its priorities.

The State Administration Coalition affirmed its support for continuing efforts to maintain security and stability, and efforts aimed at restricting weapons to the state in accordance with the ministerial program voted on by the House of Representatives, which became an effective law, and preventing the use of Iraqi lands as a launching pad for attacks on neighboring countries or dragging Iraq into conflicts that do not serve the interests of its people.

The coalition considered that whoever engages in this behavior is committing a crime of threatening the security of the country, and will be among the outlaws who must be fought, in accordance with the articles of the constitution that prohibit the use of weapons outside the will of the state, or the formation of any armed organization outside the official armed forces.

While the attendees condemned the attacks on Iraqi armed forces units and the martyrdom of a number of its members, they called for adherence to the timelines for the steps to restrict weapons after September 30, 2026, after which any armed behavior outside the framework of the state will be dealt with according to the anti-terrorism law.

The meeting also discussed the economic and financial situation, and the need to take measures to ensure the continuity of basic services and projects, diversify oil export outlets, enhance non-oil revenues, and combat waste, smuggling, and corruption.

On the regional level, the meeting affirmed Iraq’s support for efforts to promote calm and dialogue in the region, its rejection of the use of force in settling disputes, and its readiness to play a positive role in bringing together the viewpoints of the conflicting parties, in a way that contributes to preserving regional security and protecting common interests.

The participants also discussed developments in neighboring countries, and stressed the importance of strengthening border security, combating terrorism, drugs and organized crime, and developing Iraq’s relations with neighboring, regional and international countries on the basis of mutual interests, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the coalition called for expediting the formation of the government and sending the government program to the House of Representatives for discussion and approval.  link