Iraq’s new PM Ali al-Zaidi formally takes over

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Iraq’s new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has formally assumed office in Baghdad after the Council of Representatives granted confidence to his government and its ministerial program.

According to the official Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Zaidi and several ministers took the constitutional oath of office on May 15, 2026, formally assuming their duties.

The appointment follows a parliamentary session in which lawmakers voted to support the new leadership. The prime minister’s media office confirmed the outcome of the vote.

The Council of Representatives votes to grant confidence to the government of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi and its ministerial programme.

Prime minister’s media office

Partial Cabinet Approval

Al-Zaidi has taken office with a partial cabinet, as the Iraqi parliament failed to reach a consensus on several key postings. While the full government lineup is intended to include 23 ministers, lawmakers approved only 14 ministers during the session.

Among the portfolios that remain vacant are the interior and defence ministries. Political parties continue to negotiate the remaining positions to complete the government’s structure.

Under Iraqi parliamentary rules, a government is considered to have won a confidence vote when parliament approves half plus one of its ministries.

Ministerial Appointments

Despite the incomplete cabinet, several key roles were confirmed. Lawmakers reported that Basim Mohammed was appointed as the new oil minister.

Fuad Hussein was retained in his position as the foreign minister for the new government.

During the parliamentary session, Al-Zaidi presented his government program to the lawmakers. The session was not broadcast live, and the details of the program have not yet been released to the public.