The Iraqi government’s recent discussions about selling state-owned assets, especially factories and facilities belonging to the Ministry of Industry, have sparked growing criticism and concern among economists, legal experts, and many citizens.
Supporters of the move describe it as part of economic reform and efforts to reduce the burden of loss-making state companies. However, critics argue that selling strategic industrial assets could weaken Iraq’s economic future and amount to a waste of public wealth built over decades.
Economic expert Hashim Al-Haboubi strongly opposed the sale of state assets, warning that such a step would squander valuable national resources. He said the Ministry of Industry owns numerous factories and industrial plants with significant production potential that could generate substantial revenue if restored and returned to operation.
According to Al-Haboubi, many of these facilities still have employees who receive government salaries despite limited or inactive production. Rather than selling the assets, he believes the government should seek partnerships with specialized local and international investors who can help rehabilitate and operate the factories while keeping ownership in state hands.
He acknowledged that restoring these facilities would require significant funding but argued that joint investment agreements offer a better solution than outright sales. In his view, investment partnerships can revive national production without placing additional pressure on the state budget.
Meanwhile, legal expert Ali Al-Tamimi stressed that any concerns related to state assets can be addressed through existing legal mechanisms. He said Parliament has the authority to form specialized committees to investigate state property issues and coordinate with provincial councils and relevant authorities.
Al-Tamimi also noted that the Integrity Commission and the Public Prosecution can take legal action under Iraq’s State Property Recovery Law. According to him, Articles 2 and 5 of the law provide a legal framework for recovering state assets and investigating cases involving improper disposal of public property.
He further explained that provisions within Iraq’s Civil Code allow courts to review transactions involving “gross unfairness,” particularly when state-owned assets are sold at prices far below their actual value. In such cases, courts can intervene and make decisions based on legal standards and evidence.
Al-Tamimi emphasized that protecting state assets requires cooperation between Parliament, oversight agencies, judicial institutions, and provincial authorities. He called for a comprehensive review of state-owned properties and the circumstances surrounding their management or transfer.
He also claimed that thousands of state-owned properties have been seized or controlled by influential groups over the years, arguing that these cases should be investigated and addressed through legal channels.
The debate over state assets comes at a time when Iraq is facing significant financial pressures and searching for ways to strengthen its economy. While some officials view privatization as a path toward reform, critics warn that selling strategic assets could create long-term economic losses and reduce the state’s ability to support future industrial development.
As discussions continue, many experts are calling for greater transparency, stronger oversight, and solutions that preserve public assets while encouraging investment and economic growth.
