Iraq's new PM Ali al-Zaidi sworn in with partial cabinet

BAGHDAD,— Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi was sworn in Thursday with a partial cabinet after lawmakers failed to reach consensus on key posts including interior and defence.

Basim Mohammed was appointed oil minister while Fuad Hussein remained foreign minister, lawmakers told Reuters.

Parliament approved 14 ministers but failed to agree on remaining posts including interior and defence.

The session saw heated exchanges among lawmakers after objections to approval of the interior minister nominee, lawmakers said.

MP Muqdad al-Khafaji told Reuters that Parliament approved 14 ministries while nine remain pending and three failed to win confidence votes.

In the 329-seat legislature, 266 lawmakers attended the vote. Except for three Kurdish opposition parties totaling 10 seats and one Shiite party with eight seats, all other Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish blocs were present.

On May 1 US President Donald Trump voiced support for Zaidi after the Coordination Framework named him nominee in April, giving him 30 days to form a government.

Zaidi arrived with 19 ministerial candidates representing Shiite Sunni and Kurdish factions.

Defence immigration labor culture and agriculture posts were not submitted and were deferred to early June, according to Iraqi media.

Zaidi, in his 40s, is a businessman with interests in banking and Iraq’s government food basket program serving millions.

He faces challenges including disarming Iran-backed Shiite militias tackling corruption and balancing ties between Washington and Tehran.

Lawmakers said remaining negotiations continue over security and economic portfolios.

Officials said the vote highlighted continuing political divisions in Baghdad as blocs negotiate over security and economic ministries.

Further talks are expected before the deferred posts are brought back to parliament in early June, lawmakers said. Reuters reported from Baghdad.

The government formation process remains incomplete pending agreement among parliamentary blocs. Lawmakers said discussions will continue in the coming weeks in Baghdad political sources said. Reuters reported again.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)