Baghdad, Iraq – Iraq’s new Prime Minister, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, officially assumed his duties as head of government and commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces during a formal handover ceremony held in Baghdad with outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office confirmed in an official statement that the protocol ceremony proceeded smoothly. As a result, the new government has begun exercising its executive and constitutional powers to manage the country’s affairs and address current challenges.
Gaining parliamentary confidence after months of deadlock
These ceremonies came shortly after the Iraqi parliament granted its confidence to the new government and its ministerial program, headed by al-Zaidi. He thus officially assumed office after months of political deadlock and mounting American pressure.
The formation of this government comes despite al-Zaidi presenting an incomplete cabinet. This was due to ongoing, complex negotiations between the main political blocs regarding several key ministerial and service-oriented portfolios.
According to Iraqi constitutional custom, the government gains the confidence of parliament when half the number of its ministers plus one are approved. The al-Zaidi government was expected to include 23 ministers in its final form. However, parliament approved only 14 of the ministers whose names were put forward during the session. Nine ministries remain vacant and without ministers, most notably the vital ministries of Interior and Defense.
Features of the new cabinet and government program
The approved cabinet saw Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein retain his post from the previous Sudanese government, a move aimed at maintaining diplomatic stability. Meanwhile, Basim al-Abadi was appointed as the new oil minister, the most important portfolio as it provides the majority of the state’s revenue.
The new prime minister, a businessman in his forties, presented his government program during a parliamentary session that was not broadcast live.
Al-Zaidi’s nomination came as a compromise after months of political deadlock. It also followed clear objections from the United States to Nouri al-Maliki’s attempts to assume the premiership for a third term. The new technocratic government began its work amidst widespread local and international anticipation.
