Introduction to Iraq’s New Government

Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has been sworn in with only a partial cabinet after lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on key postings, including interior and defence. The prime minister and other ministers who secured parliamentary confidence took the constitutional oath of office on Thursday, according to the official Iraqi News Agency (INA), formally assuming their duties. The Council of Representatives votes to grant confidence to the government of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi and its ministerial programme, as stated by the prime minister’s media office.

Cabinet Formation Challenges

In Iraq, a government wins a confidence vote when parliament approves half plus one of its ministries. Al-Zaidi’s government should include 23 ministers, but its lineup remains incomplete as key political parties continue to negotiate several portfolios. Parliament approved 14 ministers during the session, but failed to reach consensus on several remaining posts, including the interior and defence portfolios. Notable appointments include Basim Mohammed as the country’s new oil minister and Fuad Hussein, who was kept on as the foreign minister. These appointments are seen as crucial in shaping the country’s future policies and relationships.

Implications and Next Steps

The partial formation of the cabinet is seen as a significant step towards stabilizing the country’s government. However, the failure to reach consensus on key posts, such as interior and defence, may pose challenges for the new government. As negotiations continue, the international community will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold. The new government will face numerous challenges, including addressing the country’s economic and security concerns, and it remains to be seen how Al-Zaidi’s government will navigate these issues with a partial cabinet in place.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Al Jazeera
  • Published: May 14, 2026 at 17:04 UTC
  • Category: World
  • Topics: #aljazeera · #world-news · #middle-east · #politics · #government · #iraq-new-government

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 14, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

O parlamento iraquiano aprovou o novo governo liderado por Ali al-Zaidi, composto por 14 ministros, mas não conseguiu alcançar um consenso sobre cargos-chave, como o interior e a defesa. Essa falta de consenso pode afetar a estabilidade do país. O novo governo ainda precisa superar desafios significativos para garantir a segurança e a governança no Iraque.

O parlamento iraquiano aprovou o novo governo liderado por Ali al-Zaidi, composto por 14 ministros, mas não conseguiu alcançar um consenso sobre cargos-chave, como o interior e a defesa. Essa falta de consenso pode afetar a estabilidade do país. O novo governo ainda precisa superar desafios significativos para garantir a segurança e a governança no Iraque.