Finance Minister Taif Sami Mohammed has officially taken on the role of acting Minister of Transport, following instructions from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
This step came after the former Transport Minister, Razzaq Muhaibas al-Saadawi, was sworn in as a member of parliament. Under Article 49 of Iraq’s Constitution, a person cannot hold a government position while also serving in the Council of Representatives, making the change necessary.
Shortly after arriving at the Ministry of Transport, Taif Sami chaired an expanded meeting with senior officials from across the ministry and its affiliated bodies. The meeting was also attended by adviser Zaid Mahmoud Mahdi.
The main focus was clear: cut spending, increase revenues, and fully comply with Cabinet decisions.
Taif Sami ordered a full review of the ministry’s financial estimates, in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 11 of 2026. She stressed that financial discipline is now a priority.
Several key decisions were made during the meeting. These included reassessing the ministry’s budget and the budgets of its affiliated entities, and forming a committee to identify old and worn-out vehicles so they can be sold under the State Property Sale and Lease Law.
She also directed all ministry departments to work on Fridays and Saturdays to speed up the completion of tasks linked to Cabinet decisions.
In addition, affiliated companies were ordered to transfer treasury shares from revenues and profits from previous years and from 2025 within three days. Accumulated revenues from airport administrations are also to be transferred to the public treasury.
The meeting also reviewed overall performance, administrative reform, and the progress of ongoing projects and operational plans. Taif Sami emphasized the importance of teamwork, following the law, and keeping services running smoothly, saying these steps are essential to improving efficiency and restoring public confidence.
