Iraq Parliament Approves New Government in Confidence Vote
Lawmakers approve Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister, ending months of political deadlock and US pressure.
BAGHDAD: Iraqi lawmakers approved a new government on Thursday led by businessman Ali Al-Zaidi.
The confidence vote grants the government authority to assume office after several months of political stalemate and mounting pressure from the United States.
The Council of Representatives approved half plus one of its ministries, which totals 23 ministers in Zaidi's government.
However, the ministerial line-up remains incomplete as key political parties continue negotiating several portfolios.
According to the INA state news agency, an 'absolute majority' of MPs approved 14 ministerial nominations that were put to a vote.
Zaidi presented his government program during the parliamentary session but has yet to make a public announcement.
At 40 years old, Zaidi is Iraq's youngest prime minister.
His nomination followed months of deadlock after the United States vetoed the previous frontrunner, former premier Nouri Al-Maliki.
Zaidi is supported by the Coordination Framework, an alliance of powerful Shia groups with varying ties to Iran.
Iraq has long navigated a delicate balance between the competing influences of its allies—neighboring Iran and the United States.
The new cabinet will be expected to address Washington's longstanding demand that Baghdad disarm Iran-backed groups, designated as terrorist organizations by the US.
Following an attack on Iran in February, these groups targeted US facilities in Iraq over 600 times before a ceasefire was declared, according to a US official.
The US also struck their positions and bases, resulting in dozens of fatalities.
The confidence vote grants the government authority to assume office after several months of political stalemate and mounting pressure from the United States.
The Council of Representatives approved half plus one of its ministries, which totals 23 ministers in Zaidi's government.
However, the ministerial line-up remains incomplete as key political parties continue negotiating several portfolios.
According to the INA state news agency, an 'absolute majority' of MPs approved 14 ministerial nominations that were put to a vote.
Zaidi presented his government program during the parliamentary session but has yet to make a public announcement.
At 40 years old, Zaidi is Iraq's youngest prime minister.
His nomination followed months of deadlock after the United States vetoed the previous frontrunner, former premier Nouri Al-Maliki.
Zaidi is supported by the Coordination Framework, an alliance of powerful Shia groups with varying ties to Iran.
Iraq has long navigated a delicate balance between the competing influences of its allies—neighboring Iran and the United States.
The new cabinet will be expected to address Washington's longstanding demand that Baghdad disarm Iran-backed groups, designated as terrorist organizations by the US.
Following an attack on Iran in February, these groups targeted US facilities in Iraq over 600 times before a ceasefire was declared, according to a US official.
The US also struck their positions and bases, resulting in dozens of fatalities.
