MP Hamid Abbas has called for Iraq to strengthen its economic independence and reduce what he describes as excessive foreign influence over the country’s financial and economic decisions.
According to Abbas, Iraq should focus on building a stable and independent economic system that allows the country to manage its affairs without outside interference. He said the next stage requires serious efforts to strengthen national decision-making and give Iraqi institutions greater control over economic policy.
Abbas argued that economic independence is closely tied to national sovereignty. In his view, a country is better able to protect its interests and ensure long-term stability when it has the freedom to make key economic decisions without external pressure.
He called for policies that support self-reliance, strengthen domestic institutions, and provide Iraq with greater flexibility in shaping its economic future. He believes that reducing dependence on outside influence would help the country better address its challenges and pursue development goals based on its own priorities.
The discussion comes as Iraq continues to face a number of economic pressures, including inflation, unemployment, and income disparities. Recent figures have shown inflation around 3.1%, while overall unemployment has been estimated between 13% and 15.5%.
Youth unemployment remains a particularly serious concern, with rates reported at around 32%, while unemployment among women also remains elevated. Economists and policymakers continue to debate the causes of these challenges, pointing to a combination of structural economic issues, labor market limitations, governance concerns, and external economic pressures.
Abbas believes that strengthening economic independence and improving national control over financial policy could play an important role in addressing these issues. He stressed that long-term economic stability will depend on Iraq’s ability to make decisions that reflect its own interests and development priorities.
His comments add to the ongoing debate in Iraq over economic sovereignty, foreign influence, and the policies needed to support growth, create jobs, and improve living standards for citizens.
