BAGHDAD,— Iraq’s parliament voted Thursday to approve the remaining members of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet, completing a government that took office five months ago.
Lawmakers confirmed 11 portfolios left empty since the administration was formed in May.
Nayef al-Shammari of the National Resolution Coalition was confirmed as defense minister, and Yasir al-Maliki as interior minister.
Parliament also approved three deputy prime ministers, including Laith al-Khazali, a senior leader of the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement.
Washington designated the group a foreign terrorist organization in 2020 and named its leaders, brothers Qais and Laith al-Khazali, as specially designated global terrorists, accusing the movement of attacking American and coalition forces in Iraq.
A vote on the nominee for migration and displacement minister was postponed amid disagreement among political parties.
Sunni Arab politicians also gained posts: Mohammed Tamim of the Al-Taqaddum Party became deputy prime minister, and al-Azm Alliance members Qutaiba Ghazi and Yassin al-Ithawi took the planning and culture ministries.
Zaidi said the cabinet had been completed and all vacant portfolios filled within five months of the government’s formation.
He said his administration had worked with perseverance, patience and determination through difficult internal and external circumstances, adding that the regional war had imposed major economic and security challenges requiring vigilance.
He called on the newly confirmed deputy prime ministers and ministers to serve with commitment, competence and integrity.
The cabinet had stayed partly vacant since parliament approved Zaidi’s government on May 14, after an earlier proposal for four deputy prime ministers exposed divisions inside the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework.
Of the 329-seat parliament, 261 lawmakers attended Thursday’s session, while others boycotted in protest.
Zaidi’s government has pledged economic reform, anti-corruption measures and stronger state institutions, but still faces the task of reviving an economy hit by regional instability and curbing Iran-aligned armed groups.
(With files from Reuters | Agencies)
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