Iraqi Cabinet Approves 2026–2029 Government Program, Refers It to Parliament
Program outlines 139 priorities across 14 sectors, with economic reform, anti-corruption, digital transformation and national sovereignty among key areas
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iraq’s Council of Ministers approved the government program for 2026–2029 during a regular session chaired by Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi on Tuesday evening, and referred it to the Council of Representatives for consideration.
The Cabinet’s 14th regular session was devoted exclusively to reviewing and approving the four-year government program, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Media Office issued Wednesday.
The program sets out 139 priorities across 14 major sectors, forming the basis of the ministerial agenda of al-Zaidi’s government.
The priorities cover strengthening state sovereignty and national security; economic and financial reform; industry; governance, institutional reform and anti-corruption; health and medical services; communications and information technology; youth and sports; foreign policy; energy; agriculture, water and the environment; education; social protection and poverty reduction; human rights and the rights of women and children; and culture, tourism and antiquities.
The program also identifies 13 priority pieces of legislation for the government to pursue.
Among its key objectives is the adoption of a comprehensive national program for institutional reform and combating financial and administrative corruption, alongside a review of relevant legislation and efforts to strengthen integrity and transparency mechanisms.
The government also plans to expand investment in minerals and other non-oil natural resources, accelerate the reform and development of state-owned banks, and regulate and unify border crossings.
The program calls for the launch of a national strategy for comprehensive digital transformation and greater support for national centers focused on digital transformation and cybersecurity.
It also seeks to strengthen confidence in Iraq’s investment environment, establish a Supreme Investment Council, and create a Supreme Council for Financial and Monetary Stability.
Security and state sovereignty
On security and national sovereignty, the government program places emphasis on unifying security decision-making and integrating all resources and capabilities into the country’s official state institutions.
It also identifies the independence of Iraq’s political decision-making as a fundamental expression of national sovereignty.
The program further includes measures aimed at strengthening human rights protections, safeguarding children and ensuring their rights, and reducing all forms of societal violence.
It also proposes leadership training programs designed to increase women’s participation and leadership in government and political work.
The program now moves to the Iraqi parliament, where lawmakers are expected to review its priorities and proposed legislative agenda.