Warnings about the dangers of a “rentier economy”: 90% of Iraq’s budget is at the mercy of oil.
Warnings about the dangers of a “rentier economy”: 90% of Iraq’s budget is at the mercy of oil.
7-25-2026
Information/Press Interview…
The Iraqi situation is witnessing escalating political developments, amidst efforts to finalize the formation of the remaining ministerial portfolios for Ali al-Zaidi’s government, and other pressing issues in different directions. This includes efforts to solidify the rights of the third largest ethnic group in Iraq, and discussions about the general situation in the region and its impact on the country. “Al-Maalouma” interviewed former MP Fawzi Akram to gain firsthand insight into these developments and posed a series of questions to him:
Q: When do you think the issue of the nine ministerial portfolios in Ali al-Zaidi’s government will be resolved?
A: There have been intensive contacts in recent days between the Coordination Framework forces and the other political forces, and according to the information available to us, we expect an important meeting to take place in the coming days. All indications suggest that a decisive session of Parliament will be held next month to vote on the candidates for nine portfolios, including the Ministries of Interior and Defense, thus completing the formation of the current Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government.
Q: What are the most prominent challenges facing Ali al-Zaidi’s government from your perspective?
A: The financial and economic situation is the most prominent challenge, especially since Iraq, despite repeated warnings, still relies on oil exports for up to 90% of its revenue, and these revenues cover the majority of operational and investment expenditures. Iraq’s continued reliance on a rentier economy is extremely dangerous, and it must transition to a diversified economy; this is of paramount importance in our view.
Q: Do you believe that the anti-corruption plan will proceed in accordance with the expectations of the Iraqi public?
A: We expect the anti-corruption campaign to escalate in the coming period, given that more than ten important and sensitive cases are currently open. Anyone involved in embezzling public funds will inevitably face justice. Corruption is a dangerous phenomenon that is eroding state institutions, and the plan to combat it must be transparent, objective, and leave no one out.
Q: How do you view the participation of Turkmen in government, and have they received their due?
A: To this day, the Turkmen, who represent the third largest ethnic group in Iraq, have been marginalized since the Maliki government, despite repeated promises. Despite our repeated calls, the Turkmen have not received their due, as if there were a political agreement to exclude them from decision-making. This raises many questions. The Turkmen have sacrificed much blood in the fight against terrorism and in support of liberation operations, and their regions have suffered extensive destruction. Therefore, all political forces must respect the rights of the Turkmen, given their status as the third largest ethnic group in Iraq.
Q: What is the status of the proposal to convert Tal Afar and Tuz Khurmatu into separate governorates?
A: The popular movement in these areas continues to pressure for their transformation into two governorates. This is not a nationalist demand, but a popular demand shared by all groups without exception. The creation of these governorates is an administrative decision stemming from the actual need to develop these areas and secure their rights in terms of employment, reconstruction, and services. We are continuing to exert pressure in this direction.
Q: How do you see the situation in the Middle East?
A: The situation is tense, and the escalation continues. We believe the coming days will be full of surprises. What is happening is extremely important. Iran is under attack, and everything America wanted has not been achieved. This reveals the failure of its plan for a war in Tehran.
Q: How do you see the security situation in Iraq now?
A: The security situation in Iraq in 2026 is the best it has been since 2003. This is a result of security and military plans and popular support. But this does not mean that terrorism is over. There are still remnants and sleeper cells, and the next stage must be an escalation of intelligence activity to dismantle those cells and end their existence, while working to strengthen the border security system as it is the gateway that prevents the entry of extremists and criminals, and border security is a priority for us.
Q: Do you support the demand to pursue all those wanted on terrorism charges who have fled Iraq?
A: This is a legitimate demand, and we strongly support it. We have called for the formation of a high-level governmental committee tasked with tracking down all those involved in shedding Iraqi blood who have fled the country, whether to Arab or foreign nations, and working to bring them back to trial in Baghdad. Iraq has lost hundreds of thousands of its sons to terrorist crimes since 2003, and bringing those who committed these crimes to justice is both fair and legitimate.
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