BAGHDAD: Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi was sworn into office on Thursday with a partial cabinet after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement on several key ministerial posts, including the interior and defence ministries.
The Iraqi parliament approved 14 ministers in a confidence vote, allowing Zaidi and the approved cabinet members to take the constitutional oath and formally assume office, according to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).
“The Council of Representatives votes to grant confidence to the government of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi and its ministerial programme,” the prime minister’s media office said in a statement.
Under Iraq’s constitution, a government secures parliamentary confidence when lawmakers approve at least half plus one of the proposed ministries.
Zaidi’s government is expected to include 23 ministers, but negotiations among political parties delayed agreement on several portfolios, including the important interior and defence ministries.
Voting on the remaining ministries was postponed to allow more time for political consultations.
During the parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Haibet al-Halbousi, 266 lawmakers voted in favour of the 14 ministerial nominees, according to a parliamentary statement.
Fuad Hussein retained his position as foreign minister, while Basim Mohammed Khudair was appointed oil minister and Faleh al-Sari was named finance minister.
Zaidi presented his government programme during the parliamentary session, which was not broadcast live, but the programme has not yet been made public.
At 40 years old, Zaidi becomes Iraq’s youngest prime minister. He was nominated on April 27 by Iraqi President Nizar Amedi after months of political deadlock.
Unlike many of his predecessors, Zaidi has no prior experience in government or elected office.
Born in Baghdad to a prominent family from the southern province of Dhi Qar, he built his career in business and academia.
He holds degrees in law and finance, including a master’s degree in banking and finance, and is a member of the Iraqi Bar Association.
