Growing concerns over corruption in Iraq have led to renewed calls for a wider crackdown on financial misconduct, especially after several cases involving the theft of millions of dollars by government officials came to light.
Political and parliamentary figures are now urging authorities to open all corruption files, closely monitor local governments, and continue efforts to recover public funds that have been lost over the years. Many believe tackling corruption is essential if Iraq wants to strengthen its economy and improve public services.
Former MP Yasser al-Husseini said that many individuals accused of corruption have secured major contracts for important national projects through long-term agreements that generate huge profits every month.
He argued that if the government is serious about reform, it has many opportunities to address corruption, recover wasted funds, and improve control over both oil and non-oil revenues.
According to al-Husseini, taking practical steps to protect public money could help revive Iraq’s economy, strengthen economic independence, and ensure that national projects serve the interests of the country rather than private groups.
Former MP Arif al-Hamami also called for stronger action, saying corruption should be confronted through a clear and organized plan. He proposed forming a high-level committee to review contracts and projects approved by local governments over recent years.
Al-Hamami said there are concerns that some projects may involve financial and administrative irregularities that have not yet been fully exposed. He stressed the need to investigate projects with unusually high costs and ensure that future contracts are handled with greater transparency.
He added that corruption has drained enormous amounts of public money over the years and said local governments should be a key focus in the fight against corruption.
Meanwhile, MP Ali Saber said eliminating corruption must remain one of the government’s top priorities. He called for stronger accountability measures and a serious effort to hold those responsible for wasting public funds accountable under the law.
Saber said corruption has damaged development efforts and slowed economic progress, making decisive action necessary. He urged authorities to reopen closed cases involving public funds and ensure that anyone involved faces legal consequences.
He also emphasized that lawmakers have a responsibility to protect public resources and recover lost funds with full transparency. According to Saber, the fight against corruption should not stop at formal investigations but should also expose the individuals and groups behind these activities, regardless of their influence or position.
He further called for the creation of specialized professional teams dedicated to fighting corruption. These bodies, he said, should operate according to high standards of integrity and efficiency while helping strengthen oversight, accountability, and transparency across government institutions.
As public frustration over corruption continues to grow, many political figures believe that stronger oversight, transparent investigations, and strict accountability will be critical to protecting public resources and supporting Iraq’s economic recovery.
