Iraq’s parliament has approved the remaining members of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet, completing the formation of a government that took office five months ago with several key positions vacant.
Lawmakers said on Thursday that parliament approved 11 ministerial appointments, including Nayef al-Shammari as defence minister and Yasir al-Maliki as interior minister.
The positions had remained vacant since Zaidi’s government assumed office in May.
However, parliament postponed a vote on the nominee for migration and displacement minister because of disagreements among political parties, lawmakers said.
Legislators also approved three deputy prime ministers, including Laith al-Khazali, a senior leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement.
The United States designated the group a foreign terrorist organisation in 2020 and identified its leaders, brothers Qais al-Khazali and Laith al-Khazali, as specially designated global terrorists.
Washington has accused the group of carrying out attacks against US and coalition forces in Iraq.
Zaidi’s government programme includes economic reforms, anti-corruption measures and efforts to strengthen state institutions.
The administration, however, faces significant challenges, including rebuilding an economy affected by regional instability, tackling entrenched corruption and bringing Iran-aligned armed groups under greater state control.
The approval of the remaining appointments fills most of the outstanding cabinet positions, although the migration and displacement portfolio remains unresolved.
