Baghdad, October 18, 2025 — Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Shammari confirmed on Saturday that the Iraqi government in 2026 will function in a caretaker capacity, meaning its financial powers will be significantly limited, with spending restricted to no more than 12% of the total federal budget.
In a statement to dinaropinions.com, Al-Shammari explained that, according to Iraq’s constitutional and parliamentary timelines, the current government’s term will end in 2026, after which it will serve only in an interim role until a new administration is formed following parliamentary elections.
“According to constitutional and parliamentary schedules, 2026 will mark the end of the current parliamentary term, leaving the government in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed,” Al-Shammari said.
He noted that this caretaker status will prevent the government from using its full financial allocations, limiting spending to essential and operational expenses only.
“Spending will be restricted to about 12% of the general budget, to cover running and necessary expenses only,” he added.
Al-Shammari further clarified that 2025 will be the final full year in which the current government exercises its complete executive and fiscal powers. During this time, it will be able to fully implement its economic and developmental programs in line with previously approved plans.
“The year 2025 will see the continuation of the current government with full powers, allowing it to implement its programs and spend according to approved plans, before transitioning into a caretaker role the following year,” he said.
The remarks come as Iraq prepares for a critical period of economic and political transition, with parliamentary elections expected to shape the direction of fiscal and development policies beyond 2026.
