Iraq's New PM Pledges Economic Reform and National Partnership

Iraqi PM's Media Office

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed that the next phase must be based on genuine partnership and overcoming political differences, pledging sincere efforts and strong determination to confront the country’s challenges. He said the government programme aims to build a strong, diversified, and sustainable national economy.

In a speech delivered during the ceremony marking his assumption of office on Saturday, 16 May 2026, al-Zaidi said: “The nation has entrusted me with a great responsibility, and the Council of Representatives [parliament] granted confidence to our government at a critical stage in Iraq’s history.”

He added that the moment requires serious work for both the present and future of the Iraqi people.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the parliament for granting confidence to his government, describing the vote as “a pledge and commitment before God, the people, and history.” He also thanked leaders of the Coordination Framework -Iraq's largest Shiite alliance- and political parties for their role in facilitating the formation of the new government.

Al-Zaidi stressed that “the next phase must be one of genuine partnership and overcoming differences,” promising Iraqis sincere work and real determination to address ongoing crises.

He acknowledged that Iraq has long suffered from economic and service-related challenges despite its vast wealth, stressing that his government would prioritise comprehensive economic and financial reforms.

“Our programme aims to build a strong, diversified, and sustainable national economy,” he said. “We will work towards an economy that does not depend on a single resource, while revitalising other sectors.”

The Prime Minister also pledged to protect public funds and combat corruption in all its forms, saying corruption had become not only an administrative problem but also a major obstacle to development and national progress.

Al-Zaidi said creating employment opportunities for young people and reducing unemployment would be among the government’s top priorities. He pledged to launch productive and development projects, encourage investment, and support the private sector as a key partner in building the national economy.

He also promised to ensure equal opportunities for all Iraqis without discrimination or favouritism.

On education, the Prime Minister pledged exceptional support for the sector through curriculum reform and the rehabilitation of schools and universities, while also promising practical plans to improve the health sector, develop hospitals and healthcare centres, and ensure the availability of medicines across cities and rural areas.

He stressed that public services and infrastructure projects would no longer remain “hostage to delayed promises” and instead would become an area of “real action.”

Al-Zaidi added that the government would implement strategic projects across all service sectors while strengthening state institutions, the rule of law, national security, and Iraq’s sovereignty.

He also reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to strengthening Arab, regional, and international relations on the basis of mutual respect.

The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the role of the Supreme Religious Authority in preserving social peace, while also thanking religious and national institutions representing all components of Iraqi society.

Concluding his remarks, al-Zaidi said: “The path of reform may be difficult, but it is not impossible. We will stand with every Iraqi family and every young person seeking a job opportunity.”



PUKMEDIA