In a long-awaited political step amid sharp divisions and internal disputes, Ali al-Zaidi was sworn in as the new head of the Iraqi government, Thursday, at the head of an incomplete government, after Parliament failed to resolve a number of sovereign and service ministerial portfolios.
The Iraqi Parliament granted confidence to 14 ministers within the new government formation, while it was not possible to agree on a number of basic ministries, most notably Interior and Defense, in addition to Planning, Culture, Reconstruction and Education.
The parliament session witnessed intense discussions and objections from some parliamentary blocs, especially regarding the candidate proposed for the Ministry of Interior, which led to the postponement of deciding a number of names and completing political consultations at a later time.
According to the Iraqi News Agency, the ministries that gained confidence included oil, industry, electricity, health, environment, agriculture, water resources, trade, justice, education, transportation, finance, foreign affairs, and communications.
The oil portfolio was assumed by Ali Bassem Muhammad Khudair, while Fouad Hussein received the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Faleh Al-Sari received the Ministry of Finance, in addition to the appointment of Abdul Hussein Aziz as Minister of Health, Sarwa Abdul Wahed as Minister of Environment, and Mustafa Jabbar Sanad as Minister of Communications.
On the other hand, Parliament did not grant confidence to a number of candidates, including candidates for the Ministries of Interior, Planning, Culture, Reconstruction, and Education, which left the new government incomplete pending the completion of understandings between the political forces.
Representative Miqdad Al-Khafaji told Reuters that the vote included 14 ministries, while nine other ministries remained under discussion, stressing that a number of candidates did not gain the confidence of Parliament during today’s session.
After his government gained partial confidence, Al-Zaidi sent a message via the “X” platform, in which he thanked the House of Representatives and the political forces for their support, considering that the vote reflects “the spirit of partnership and national responsibility.”
He stressed that the trust granted to his government represents a “great trust” before the Iraqi people, pledging to work to enhance stability, consolidate the prestige of the state, achieve development, and improve the living conditions of Iraqis.
For his part, Iraqi President Nizar Amidi described the vote on the ministerial formation as a “critical national milestone,” considering it an important constitutional step towards enhancing political and security stability in the country.
Amidi also stressed the need to complete the ministerial cabinet as quickly as possible, allowing the new government to begin implementing its program amid the political, security, and economic challenges facing Iraq.
The formation of the new government comes at a time when Iraq is facing complex issues related to internal security, political balances, and the economic crisis, in addition to the repercussions of the escalating regional tensions in the region.
