Iraq Parliament Approves al-Zaidi Partial Cabinet

Iraq's parliament approved a partial Cabinet and the government program of new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Thursday, allowing him and 14 ministers to take office amid delays on key security portfolios including interior and defense.

The session, chaired by Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, saw 266 lawmakers vote in favor of the 14 nominees out of a planned 21- to 23-member Cabinet. Approved ministers included Fuad Hussein, who retained his position as foreign minister, Basim Mohammed Khudair as oil minister, and others handling finance and public services. Votes on remaining posts, including defense, were postponed for further political consultations among blocs. Following the vote, al-Zaidi and the confirmed ministers took the constitutional oath before parliament, formally assuming their duties.

Parliament also endorsed al-Zaidi's government program, which prioritizes improving public services, resolving electricity shortages, bolstering economic stability, combating corruption, reforming administration, and restricting weapons to state control. Under Iraq's constitution, a prime minister-designate has 30 days from nomination to secure approval for a Cabinet and program....