Iraq’s New Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi Sworn In With Partial Cabinet Amid Political Deadlock

Baghdad, May 2026 : Iraq’s newly appointed Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi was officially sworn into office on Thursday along with a partial Cabinet after Parliament failed to reach consensus on several crucial ministerial positions, including the interior and defence portfolios.

The Iraqi Parliament approved 14 ministers in al-Zaidi’s proposed Cabinet during a session presided over by Speaker Haibet al-Halbousi. According to an official parliamentary statement, 266 lawmakers voted in favour of the ministers presented for approval.

However, voting on several sensitive ministries was postponed due to continuing political disagreements and negotiations among the country’s major political blocs.

Among the ministers approved was Fuad Hussein, who retained his position as foreign minister. Basim Mohammed Khudair was appointed oil minister, while Faleh al-Sari was confirmed as finance minister.

The defence and interior ministries, traditionally among the most politically contested portfolios in Iraq, remain unresolved as rival factions continue discussions over suitable candidates.

Following the parliamentary confidence vote, Prime Minister al-Zaidi and the 14 approved ministers took the constitutional oath before lawmakers, formally assuming office.

Under Iraq’s Constitution, a prime minister-designate is required to secure parliamentary approval for both the Cabinet and the government programme before officially taking charge of the administration.

On April 27, Iraqi President Nizar Amedi nominated al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate after he emerged as the candidate of the Coordination Framework, the largest parliamentary alliance dominated by Shiite political parties.

The Iraqi Constitution grants the prime minister-designate 30 days to form a government and seek parliamentary confidence.

Iraq’s political system continues to operate under the post-2003 power-sharing arrangement introduced after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. Under this framework, the presidency is traditionally held by a Kurdish leader, the parliamentary speakership by a Sunni Muslim, and the prime ministership by a Shiite Muslim.

Political analysts say the delay in finalising key ministries reflects the continuing complexity of Iraq’s coalition-based politics, where competing factions often negotiate intensely over security-related portfolios and administrative influence.

The formation of the new government has also attracted international attention, particularly from the United States.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump publicly congratulated al-Zaidi on his nomination as Iraq’s next Prime Minister and expressed support for efforts to establish a stable administration in Baghdad.

In a message posted on his official social media platform, Trump described al-Zaidi’s appointment as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States.

“Congratulations to Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination to be the next Prime Minister of Iraq!” Trump wrote.

He further stated that Washington hoped the new Iraqi leadership would form a government capable of tackling terrorism, governance challenges and regional instability.

“We wish him success as he works to form a new government free from terrorism that could deliver a brighter future for Iraq,” Trump said.

The US President also emphasised the importance of enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries under al-Zaidi’s leadership.

“We look forward to a strong, vibrant, and highly productive new relationship between Iraq and the United States,” he added.

Observers believe the new Iraqi government will face major challenges in the coming months, including security concerns, economic reforms, political fragmentation and balancing relations with regional and global powers.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)