Iraq’s Parliament Finalizes Cabinet by Approving Remaining Ministerial Posts and Deputy Premiers

Baghdad — Iraq’s parliament on Thursday ratified the remaining ministerial posts in Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi’s cabinet, sealing a government formation that began five months earlier, legislators said.

Legislators endorsed 11 ministries, naming Nayef al‑Shammari as defense minister and Yasir al‑Maliki as interior minister.

Those posts had remained empty since the government assumed power in May.

The vote on the migration and displacement minister was postponed after parties could not reach consensus, lawmakers noted.

Parliament also confirmed three deputy prime ministers, among them Laith al‑Khazali, a senior figure in the Iran‑backed Asaib Ahl al‑Haq movement.

In 2020 the United States labelled Asaib Ahl al‑Haq a foreign terrorist organization and named its leaders, brothers Qais and Laith al‑Khazali, as specially designated global terrorists, accusing the group of attacks on U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq.

Al‑Zaidi’s government agenda promised economic reforms, anti‑corruption initiatives, and steps to bolster state institutions.

Yet the administration confronts major hurdles: reviving an economy weakened by regional turmoil, eradicating entrenched corruption, and exerting tighter state control over Iran‑aligned armed groups.

Source link