Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has been sworn in with a partial Cabinet as lawmakers could not agree on key posts like the interior and defense ministries. The Parliament approved 14 members of al-Zaidi’s Cabinet, while decisions on the remaining positions were postponed due to ongoing political discussions.
During a session led by Speaker Haibet al-Halbousi, 266 lawmakers voted in favor of the 14 ministers. Notable approvals include Fuad Hussein continuing as foreign minister, Basim Mohammed Khudair as oil minister, and Faleh al-Sari as finance minister. However, voting on crucial ministries like defense and interior was delayed to allow more time for negotiations.
Following the confidence vote, al-Zaidi and the 14 approved ministers took the constitutional oath before parliament. According to Iraq’s constitution, a prime minister must secure parliamentary approval for the Cabinet and government program before assuming office. President Nizar Amedi had nominated al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate on April 27, giving him 30 days to present a Cabinet and government program to parliament for a confidence vote.
US President Donald Trump congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination as Iraq’s next Prime Minister, expressing support for the formation of a new government in Baghdad and optimism for enhanced bilateral relations. Trump emphasized the importance of forming a government capable of addressing security and governance challenges, wishing success to al-Zaidi in this endeavor. He also highlighted the potential for a stronger relationship between Iraq and the United States under al-Zaidi’s leadership.
