The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) stressed the need for stronger coordination between fiscal and monetary policy, stating that the bank’s involvement in budget preparation helps prevent an economic gap.

Coordination Between Fiscal and Monetary Policy

CBI Governor Ali al-Alaq said that the participation of the Central Bank in drafting the state budget is essential to ensure complementarity between fiscal and monetary policies.

He noted that such coordination helps prevent economic disparities and strengthens long-term fiscal and monetary stability.

Role of the Central Bank in Economic Policy

Al-Alaq explained that the Central Bank has detailed indicators and data on cash flow, foreign reserves, and money supply levels. Therefore, it must play a key role in shaping the country’s overall economic policy alongside the fiscal policies implemented by the government and the Ministry of Finance.

He also emphasized that a lack of coordination directly affects prices and inflation levels.

Toward a More Balanced Budget Framework

Al-Alaq stated that coordination between the two institutions would lead to a more realistic and balanced budget capable of responding to economic changes.

These remarks come as the Iraqi government has yet to prepare the 2026 budget, with indications that a budget law for this year is unlikely.

Al-Zaidi Emphasizes Economic Reforms and Stability Initiatives

In his first official address after becoming prime minister, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi underlined that one of the “top priorities” for his government is initiating a comprehensive economic and financial reform program.

He highlighted the program aims at "building a strong, diversified, and sustainable national economy that does not rely on a single resource.”

Al-Zaidi also chaired a meeting of the Financial Stability Council earlier this week with the CBI governor and the minister of finance, during which he underscored the importance of making financial decisions that support stability in a way that positively impacts the government’s development, service, and economic plans.