Sudani’s coalition defends record, rejects ‘political settlements’ in graft cases

BAGHDAD — The Reconstruction and Development Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani, defended its anti-corruption record on Sunday, arguing that measures taken under Sudani laid the groundwork for the current government’s investigations, and rejected any “political settlements” to resolve corruption cases.

Coalition spokesman Firas al-Musallamawi told Alawla TV that al-Zaidi’s campaign was continuing reforms begun under Sudani, including changes to the banking system, the currency auction and the ASYCUDA customs system. Those measures, he said, had squeezed the corrupt: “The corrupt became so pressured that they were forced to hide their money in farms, houses and underground.”

Musallamawi said the coalition backed the campaign but wanted it applied evenly. “The campaign is good, but it needs adjustment. It should not be selective and should include all files, parties and components,” he said.

He rejected reports circulating on social media that some cases might be settled politically. “We reject this completely. We will not allow and will not accept settlements,” Musallamawi said. “If evidence proves the guilt of any person, whether from our bloc or another, the government must proceed. Retreating from these cases and returning to settlements would mean retreating from the fight against corruption.”

The defense came hours after a rival lawmaker, Ahmed al-Sharmani of the Ishraqat Kanun bloc, accused Sudani of granting numerous investment exemptions to lawmakers and officials during his time in office, calling the practice a form of corruption.

The exchange follows last week’s operation, in which authorities said dozens of current and former officials were arrested, in what the government has called the first phase of a wider campaign. State media said the arrests were based on confessions by detained former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili, and that the 15 names released so far were the first of a group it put at 47. 964media could not independently verify the figures.

Several current and former members of Sudani’s coalition are among the 15 people so far named. State media identified current lawmakers Bahaa al-Nouri, Alia Nassif, Abdul Rahman al-Luwaizi and Bushra al-Qaisi, along with Hassan al-Khafaji, who recently left the coalition, as well as former lawmaker Mohammed al-Sayhoud and Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie, an adviser to Sudani. Sudani served as prime minister from 2022 to 2026, when Zaidi succeeded him, and his coalition emerged from the last election as the largest bloc in parliament.