Will spending be disrupted by delaying the budget amendment? A government advisor explains
The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, explained the disbursement mechanism in the event that the amendment to the financial budget law is not approved.
Saleh told Al Furat News Agency: "There is a legal rule that stipulates that the special law restricts the general law, and since the Federal General Budget Law No. 13 of 2023 is the basis for legislation for the state budget for the year 2025 within the scope of the federal general budget legislation and is specialized for three years, there is no other text that adds to the suspension of work on it."
He added, "I also do not see that one article, which is 77/second, related to submitting tables related to estimates for implementing the 2025 budget and according to the required adjustments, will restrict work in implementing the general budget originally legislated in 2023 and resorting to Law No. 6 of 2019, as amended, and we mean the Federal Financial Management Law.
" Saleh continued, "Despite that, we do not see anything that hinders the submission of the state's general budget tables for the year 2025, as the financial authority has the ability and sufficient tools to submit them in the appropriate coming period and according to a broad technical consultation circle between the executive and legislative authorities and in a manner that serves the national interest of the country and the government program."
Saleh said that "government spending is proceeding normally, in addition to public revenues, and there is nothing restricting the elements of implementing the general budget, except for the amendment currently before the House of Representatives." link
There is a significant difference between Germany's recovery which took 5 years [after WWII] and Iraq's recovery which we are still waiting on 20 years later. After, WWII Germany's currency faced a significant crisis.
The war had devastated the country's economy, leading to hyperinflation and the collapse of the Reichsmark...In 1948, three years after the war, the countries overseeing post-war Germany introduced a new currency, the Deutsche Mark...
This new currency helped eliminate the black market and incentivize people to engage in legitimate economic activities. The currency reform is often credited with laying the groundwork for Germany's economic recovery...during the 1950's.
This transformation turned West Germany into one of the leading economies in Europe, demonstrating the critical role currency reform played in it's post-war rebuilding
Oil Falls As Trump Pressures For More Supplies, Lower Prices
Economy | 01/24/2025 Mawazine News – Baghdad Oil markets fell on Friday, a day after US President Donald Trump urged OPEC and its de facto leader Saudi Arabia to lower prices in a broad effort to boost crude output.
Brent crude futures were down 50 cents at $77.95 a barrel by 0044 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down 31 cents at $74.31. Trump said in a speech on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that he would ask OPEC to lower the cost of a barrel of crude. He said he would ask Riyadh to increase its investment package in the United States to $1 trillion, up from $600 billion reported by the Saudi state news agency earlier in the day.
Analysts said uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policies and the possibility that the new president would push for higher U.S. oil production also weighed on crude futures.
But to prevent further declines, U.S. crude inventories fell last week to their lowest since March 2022, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed. https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=258939
In this video, the speaker provides an in-depth analysis of the current developments regarding the Iraqi dinar and Iraq’s digital transformation, emphasizing the positive trajectory of the country’s economic and technological landscape.
Over the past 15 years, the speaker has maintained an enthusiastic outlook on the Iraqi currency’s potential, especially in light of recent advancements in digital finance and technology.
The discussion includes Iraq’s participation in regional and global digital initiatives, the role of artificial intelligence, and international cooperation to enhance economic stability and growth.
The speaker highlights significant meetings, such as the Arab Council of Ministers of Communications and Information, where crucial issues like internet governance and cybersecurity were addressed. They also reference a comprehensive document that outlines the global digital compact aimed at fostering inclusivity and enhancing economic competitiveness. Furthermore, the video covers Iraq’s potential for foreign investment, the importance of establishing a robust insurance sector, and the implications of legislative changes, including the long-awaited amendments surrounding the 2025 budget and Article 140, which addresses property rights and peaceful coexistence in the region.
The speaker expresses optimism about Iraq’s future, indicating that the government is making strides in improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting private investment. Key insights around energy interconnections, the necessity of a stable electricity supply, and the vital role of national identity through documentation like national cards are discussed. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content and support the channel through various means.
Highlights
🌟 Digital Transformation: Iraq is embracing digital currency and technology, aligning with global trends.
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Economic Stability: The Iraqi government is fostering an environment conducive to foreign investment and economic growth.
🤝 Regional Cooperation: Iraq is actively participating in regional discussions on enhancing digital communication and cybersecurity.
🔍 Financial Reforms: Legislative changes, such as the 2025 budget and Article 140, are paving the way for economic revitalization.
⚡ Energy Needs: Infrastructure projects require stable energy sources, highlighting the importance of electricity interconnections.
🛡️ Insurance Sector Development: Plans to establish a robust insurance sector are underway, aimed at enhancing financial stability.
🗳️ National Identity: The issuance of national cards abroad signifies the government’s commitment to providing rights to its citizens.
Key Insights
🌐 Global Digital Compact: The discussions around the Global Digital Compact indicate a collective effort among nations to ensure that digital economies benefit all regions. Iraq’s inclusion in this conversation suggests its growing importance on the global stage. The emphasis on digital transactions and artificial intelligence underscores a shift toward a more integrated and technologically advanced economy.
💡 Artificial Intelligence in Commerce: The speaker highlights the pivotal role of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology in modern commercial transactions. This shift towards digital systems will not only improve efficiency but also enhance security and transparency in financial dealings, which is crucial for attracting foreign investment.
🔄 Investment Opportunities: Iraq is being positioned as a fertile ground for investment, particularly in sectors like energy and infrastructure. The government’s focus on legislative reforms and stability is aimed at creating an attractive environment for foreign stakeholders, which could significantly boost the economy.
⚖️ Restoration of Rights: The passage of laws related to Article 140 reflects a significant move towards rectifying historical injustices and fostering peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups. This restoration of property rights plays a critical role in rebuilding trust and stability within the region.
🔗 Electricity Interconnections: The need for stable electricity to support Iraq’s development projects and the digital economy cannot be overstated. The ongoing discussions about electrical interconnection with Gulf countries indicate a strategic approach to meet the energy demands of future technological advancements.
🏦 Revamping the Insurance Sector: The emphasis on creating a mandatory insurance framework is indicative of a broader trend towards financial literacy and security in Iraq. By enhancing trust in non-banking financial institutions, the government aims to provide citizens with more comprehensive support and security, which is essential for economic growth.
📅 Budget Implications and Employee Benefits: The announcement regarding bonuses and promotions tied to the 2025 budget demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens. The interplay between budget approvals and financial allocations will be critical in ensuring that employees receive their due compensation, which is vital for maintaining public morale and economic stability.
In summary, the speaker’s insights paint a picture of a transforming Iraq, one that is actively engaging with global digital trends, reforming its financial systems, and working towards economic inclusivity and stability. The emphasis on technology, investment, and social justice indicates a comprehensive strategy that could potentially lead to a prosperous future for the nation and its citizens.
Saleh: Serious Government Move To Stimulate The Insurance Sector In Iraq
Local | 12:57 - 01/24/2025 Mawazine News – Baghdad The Prime Minister's Advisor for Financial Affairs, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, confirmed today, Friday, that there is a serious government trend to activate the insurance sector in Iraq.
Salih said: "Activating the insurance sector in Iraq and addressing the absence of insurance culture as a means of financial protection requires considering several intertwined factors, some of which relate to the movement of the overall economy, and others to the societal culture,
including reviewing existing legislation, including, for example, the importance of providing tax incentives for companies and individuals who choose insurance and supporting small and medium-sized companies to provide innovative insurance products that meet market needs.
" He added, "Based on that, I find it important to design insurance products that suit different categories, such as agricultural insurance and disaster insurance, and to inform citizens that there is mandatory insurance for car accidents, as there is an approved mechanism in this regard that not many people know about, and it is part of the absent societal culture towards mandatory insurance in the country,"
indicating that "citizens' confidence in non-banking financial institutions must be enhanced, including insurance activity in particular, which is reflected in the development of the insurance sector as a whole and its interconnections in the entire national economy."
He added that "the disparity in purchasing power of many segments of society makes them focus on basic needs instead of future financial planning, and for inherited reasons as well due to years of wars, conflicts, and social and economic changes that have affected society."
He pointed out that "the decline in insurance culture is the main factor in the lack of development of this vital sector due to the lack of knowledge of the benefits of insurance and its importance as a means of financial protection, as families, communities, and clans are often relied upon to confront risks instead of resorting to appropriate insurance solutions guaranteed by law."
He stressed "the need to build integrated awareness programs targeting youth and various business sectors and improve the level of services in a way that enhances trust between customers and insurance companies, in addition to increasing the number of options provided by current insurance companies and activating the use of digital technology to improve the customer experience in terms of easy access to insurance services,"
noting "the importance of promoting partnership between the state and the private sector in the scope of life insurance, its services, and its institutions, and I find that it represents the second phase of the financial and economic reform undertaken by the government program."
He pointed out that "there is a serious government trend towards activating the insurance sector as it is the financial guarantor of the individual's and society's life, due to its significant positive impact on the national economy in general and the development of the financial market in particular by reducing risks and enhancing financial stability in the country."https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=258947