Government Advisor- The 2025 Budget Will Reach Parliament Before End of Ramadan
The Iraqi Prime Minister's advisor for economic affairs confirmed on Monday that there is a government-parliamentary understanding regarding the 2025 budget, expecting it to reach parliament before the end of Ramadan.
Mazhar Mohammed Saleh said, that there is an understanding between the Parliamentary Finance Committee, the Council of Ministers, and the Ministry of Finance regarding the budget schedules, stressing that there is an agreement on the date of sending it and voting on it.
Saleh explained that Article 77/ Second of the Federal General Budget Law for the year 2023 stipulates that the Ministry of Finance shall submit the budget tables annually, with the amendments that occur to operating and investment expenditures.
He added that the Ministry of Finance will send the 2025 budget tables to the Council of Ministers for discussion and voting, after which these tables will be sent to the House of Representatives.
Saleh indicated that the budget schedules are expected to reach Parliament before the end of Ramadan, which falls at the end of March.
Earlier, a responsible source in the Iraqi Ministry of Finance told Shafaq News Agency that the delay in sending the federal budget tables to the Council of Ministers is related to amendments to Article 12 of the Budget Law.
The Iraqi parliament recently approved an amendment to the general budget related to Article 12, which settles a dispute between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government over receiving the region’s oil.
In June 2023, the Iraqi Parliament voted on the draft general budget law for the fiscal years (2023, 2024, 2025), to approve special budget tables for those years, and they are sent by the Iraqi government to Parliament for voting.
Last February, the Iraqi Parliament voted to amend Article 12 of the budget law related to the costs of extracting oil from the Kurdistan Region.
Thank you MarkZ for all your time, and encouragement daily….. PDK
MarkZ Update- Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions
Member: Happy Monday Morning
Member: Hey People! THIS WILL BE A GREAT DAY! Glad to see all of you this morning!
Member: Hope Mark and Zester had a great trip this weekend.
Member: Hoping for some great news today!
MZ: It was a good event….just very busy and schedule was tight….wish I would have had a chance to meet more of you.
MZ: I have better than normal news for a Monday morning. Usually Mondays there is no news at all.
Member: Mark if the mediators were paid then it has definitely moved forward correct? So now we just hope no more delays with bond guys etc!
MZ: I have a couple of interesting things from a couple of bond contacts. They are being told the vast majority of money definitely moves in March. They believe this is their month for redemptions.
MZ: There are a number of them with dollars…small amounts. My understanding is the full amount- the bulk of their dollars will move all at the same time….and on the same day. I got that from 4 different bond contacts in different groups.
MZ: they are all saying the big dollars will release all at once for all of them.
MZ: A couple of groups are working hard and they are also being told that this is their month. Crossing my fingers it is true and we don’t get another letdown. But there is certainly a lot of chatter right now.
MZ: We will never be in a perfect spot for this, but at some point they have to pull the trigger. Fantastic news over the weekend…it just needs to manifest.
Member: Mark, did your contact with a Saturday currency apt get liquidity?
MZ: I don’t have an update, but as of Saturday where they had a tenetavie appointment to exchange some currency…they have not gone.
Member: it sounds like we will all have a shotgun start….So hopefully when bonds go…we all go.
Member: Walkingstick says "Day and Rate" fixed after big bank meetings in Iraq.
MZ: “ US gas move: Iraq’s race to avert power crisis” Us has gone full tilt with Iraq to stop Iranian influence and rebuild Iraqi infrastructure. They are adding power plants as well as rebuilding the power structure. This will put Iraq at the forfront in the region….and with that we get the economic reforms or a higher value to lift the purhasing power of Iraq.
Member: Sounds like they could use additional funds for all of that…..Release the RV Iraq.
MZ: “ Official working hours will be suspended next Sunday” They will be shutting down their Gov on Sunday to remember victims of several Crimes against humanity ……Datewise this falls on the 16th. I am hearing many things pointing to the 16th and 17th.
MZ: what a great time to change things and put Iraq back on its feet.
MZ: “Government advisor: 2025 budget will reach Parliament before the end of Ramadan” in other wrds they will have the budget and its tables in the month of March.
Member: Everything is lining up , for everything to happen all at once .
Member: When I begin to think that this RV will never occur, I just remind myself that Iraq cannot go international at a $1,320 exchange rate.
Member: I don't see it going to the end of the month,
personally. I think it will be sooner. At this point, Iraq is losing $$ every day we wait.
Member: I believe Apr 01 is the beginning of Iraq's new quarter.
Member: I heard a rumor that the 12th is going to be the day-for the DINAR to be at it’s peak and the time to change currencies
Member: Nader has a video this morning that he says by the end of the week
Member: Trusted bank worker said a man came in and had 150 zeros behind his balance in his account. He told her he was from Iraq and the currency revalued at 4.47. I believe her but not sure about customer.
Member: Kuwait revalued March 24, 1991 a SUNDAY
Member: After Iraq was expelled from Kuwait, the banks revalued their currency to $3.47
Member: Dow down −350.65 in the opening bell
Member: The news is surely interesting and seems we are moving ahead.
Member: is this going to be our week, trump said big things this week! let's hope its our week.
Member: What date is the audit of Fort Knox? I suspect we will RV around then.
MZ: Remember there are no podcasts on Monday and Friday nights anymore. So no podcast tonight
Member: . Thank You for your commitment to this community Mark and Mods…..Have a great day everyone.
What they've told us is that going into 2025 they were going to end the currency auctions. We know that much.
They did say they transitioned to that new method of transferring foreign currencies abroad... allowing specific local banks within the country of Iraq to send the foreign currencies...But they never officially ended the currency auctions...
We know the currency auctions have to end at least by the time the rate changes. We also know that from last November through the end of January the currency auctions went up from about $280 million to $300 million, then in January of this year...went higher from $290 million to $300 million...
Their actions of incrementing the currency auctions to higher amounts suggest we're getting getting very close to nearing the end of this..
Frank26:"AL-SUDANI KNOWS WHOSE SIDE HE IS ON"......F26
America calls on Iraq to end dependence on Iranian energy and welcomes Al-Sudani's commitment
3/6/2025
The US State Department called on Iraq to stop relying on Iranian energy sources "as soon as possible."
In response to whether Washington has reached a deal to renew Iraq's exemption from sanctions on Iranian gas imports, which expires tomorrow, Saturday, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said, "At this point, we have nothing to announce regarding the current electricity exemption, which expires on March 8."
"We are reviewing all existing sanctions waivers that provide any measure of economic and financial relief," she added.
The spokeswoman welcomed the commitment of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani "to achieve energy independence," expressing her hope that the United States would lead the way when it comes to this type of approach.
Iraq currently produces 27,000 megawatts of electricity through stations, most of which operate on gas, but the production capacity sometimes drops to 17,000 megawatts.
This amount, at its maximum, does not meet the country's electricity needs, as Iraq needs to increase production to
reach 40,000 megawatts in order to ensure the provision of energy around the clock.
To solve this crisis, Iraq resorted to importing quantities of Iranian gas, which threatened to expose it to US sanctions, before the United States granted it an exemption that is renewed periodically.
With US President Donald Trump returning to power, he pledged to pursue a policy of "maximum pressure" towards Iran. As a result, the Iraqi government asked the new US administration to extend the waiver granted by the previous administration, according to previous statements by Al-Sudani in an interview with Asharq.
Al-Sudani touched on the issue of ending dependence on Iranian supplies during the interview, noting that the country plans to completely end gas imports by 2028, adding: "There will be clear energy independence."
He continued: "Ultimately, we need this exception to continue throughout this period. At the same time, we have started the process of linking energy with neighboring countries in order to cover our needs, and this is part of the concept of integration that we seek with our brothers."
This is not the first statement of its kind, but rather comes just days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, where they discussed Iranian influence in the region, and Rubio urged Iraq to "achieve energy independence."
The new US statement may not mean that Washington will not renew the exemption granted to Iraq, but it indicates increased pressure on Baghdad to get rid of these supplies.
The comments come hours after US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant confirmed that the US would
tighten sanctions on Iran, adding that the US would “shut down” the country’s oil sector using “pre-determined criteria and timelines.” He hinted that “making Iran bankrupt again would be the beginning of our updated sanctions policy.”
The Treasury secretary suggested that the United States could work with “regional actors” to help Iran get its oil to market. One of those countries is likely to be Russia, which earlier this week signaled its willingness to help the United States in talks with Iran over ending its nuclear program and its support for anti-American regional proxies.
“Treasury is prepared to engage in frank discussions with these countries,” Bessent said. “We will work to shut down Iran’s oil sector and drone manufacturing capabilities.” LINK
In this video, the speaker discusses the topic of the hijab and the perceptions surrounding it, particularly in the context of Western societies like the United States. As a proud Muslim, he defends the choice to wear the hijab, emphasizing that many women choose to wear it as a form of religious expression and personal autonomy.
The speaker recounts a debate he had with a friend who questioned the practice based on perceptions of oppression in countries like Iran and Afghanistan. He argues that the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and thus individuals should not be judged for their choices, including wearing the hijab.
The speaker also highlights that a significant percentage of women who wear the hijab do so by choice, not coercion. In a subsequent part of the video, he raises concerns about the negative portrayal of Muslims in Western media, questioning the lack of documented instances of Muslims expressing hatred towards other religions.
He calls for an understanding that disagreements do not equate to hatred and emphasizes the need for open dialogue rather than prejudice.
🧕 Freedom of Choice: The hijab is often worn by women as a personal choice, reflecting their religious beliefs and autonomy.
📜 Constitutional Rights: The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, which the speaker emphasizes during his conversation with a friend.
🌍 Cultural Sensitivity: The speaker argues that Americans should not judge the practices of other cultures without understanding their context.
✊ Empowerment vs. Oppression: A significant majority of women who wear the hijab do so voluntarily, challenging the narrative of oppression.
🎥 Media Representation: The speaker criticizes the portrayal of Muslims in Western media, calling for a more nuanced understanding of their beliefs and practices.
🤝 Dialogue Over Division: The speaker stresses the importance of dialogue and understanding rather than jumping to conclusions based on preconceived notions.
💬 Shared Humanity: He argues that good and bad exist in all cultures, advocating for a recognition of shared human experiences over divisive narratives.
Key Insights
🌟 Cultural Autonomy and Personal Identity: The choice of wearing the hijab is deeply personal and rooted in individual identity. The speaker makes it clear that the decision to wear the hijab is often a reflection of one’s faith and personal beliefs, rather than an indication of oppression. This highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting individual choices in a multicultural society.
⚖️ Balancing Freedom of Religion and Cultural Criticism: The speaker invokes the freedom of religion clause in the U.S. Constitution to argue for the rights of individuals to practice their faith as they see fit. This raises critical questions about the balance between cultural criticism and respecting religious freedoms, particularly in a diverse nation like the United States.
🗣️ Misconceptions about Muslim Practices: By stating that 80% of women who wear the hijab do so by choice, the speaker challenges the stereotype that Islamic practices are universally oppressive. This insight encourages audiences to reconsider their biases and to approach discussions about cultural practices with an open mind.
🌐 The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions:
The speaker’s frustration with the media portrayal of Muslims demonstrates how narratives can be skewed, leading to widespread misunderstanding and prejudice. This calls for more responsible journalism that offers balanced perspectives rather than sensationalized narratives.
👥 The Importance of Discourse: The speaker advocates for open dialogue between cultures and religions, emphasizing that disagreements on political or religious matters do not necessarily equate to hatred. This perspective is crucial for fostering mutual respect and understanding in increasingly polarized societies.
🕊️ Shared Values in Humanity: By appealing to shared values and experiences, the speaker encourages listeners to find common ground rather than focus on differences. This can help bridge divides and foster a sense of community among diverse groups.
🚀 Activism and Responsibility: The speaker suggests that if individuals are concerned about the oppression in other countries, they should engage directly rather than criticize from afar. This insight emphasizes personal responsibility in activism and highlights the complexities involved in global issues.
The discussion presented in the video serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of cultural practices like the hijab and the importance of understanding the nuances involved in such discussions. It encourages listeners to examine their own biases and strive for a more inclusive and respectful dialogue surrounding cultural and religious practices.
Government Advisor- The 2025 Budget Will Reach Parliament Before End of Ramadan
The Iraqi Prime Minister's advisor for economic affairs confirmed on Monday that there is a government-parliamentary understanding regarding the 2025 budget, expecting it to reach parliament before the end of Ramadan.
Mazhar Mohammed Saleh said, that there is an understanding between the Parliamentary Finance Committee, the Council of Ministers, and the Ministry of Finance regarding the budget schedules, stressing that there is an agreement on the date of sending it and voting on it.
Saleh explained that Article 77/ Second of the Federal General Budget Law for the year 2023 stipulates that the Ministry of Finance shall submit the budget tables annually, with the amendments that occur to operating and investment expenditures.
He added that the Ministry of Finance will send the 2025 budget tables to the Council of Ministers for discussion and voting, after which these tables will be sent to the House of Representatives.
Saleh indicated that the budget schedules are expected to reach Parliament before the end of Ramadan, which falls at the end of March.
Earlier, a responsible source in the Iraqi Ministry of Finance told Shafaq News Agency that the delay in sending the federal budget tables to the Council of Ministers is related to amendments to Article 12 of the Budget Law.
The Iraqi parliament recently approved an amendment to the general budget related to Article 12, which settles a dispute between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government over receiving the region’s oil.
In June 2023, the Iraqi Parliament voted on the draft general budget law for the fiscal years (2023, 2024, 2025), to approve special budget tables for those years, and they are sent by the Iraqi government to Parliament for voting.
Last February, the Iraqi Parliament voted to amend Article 12 of the budget law related to the costs of extracting oil from the Kurdistan Region.
