Ali al‑Zaidi was sworn in as Iraq’s prime minister on Thursday but took office with a partial cabinet after parliament approved 14 of the planned 23 ministers. Key portfolios, including the interior and defence ministries, remain unresolved. Basim Mohammed was named oil minister and Fuad Hussein was retained as foreign minister. At 40, Al‑Zaidi faces major challenges: disarming Iran‑backed militias, fighting entrenched corruption, and balancing relations between Washington and Tehran.
Ali al‑Zaidi Sworn In as Iraq’s Youngest Prime Minister With Partial Cabinet
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi [Iraqi Presidency Office via AP]
Ali al‑Zaidi was sworn in as Iraq’s prime minister on Thursday, but he assumed office with only a partial cabinet after lawmakers failed to agree on several key portfolios, notably the interior and defence ministries.
The prime minister and the 14 ministers who won parliamentary backing took the constitutional oath of office, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported. Under Iraqi rules, a government secures confidence when parliament approves a majority equal to half plus one of the ministries.
Al‑Zaidi’s cabinet is meant to include 23 ministers; however, major political blocs continue negotiations over several remaining posts. Lawmakers told Reuters that Basim Mohammed was appointed as oil minister and that Fuad Hussein has been retained as foreign minister.
Programme and Political Context
Al‑Zaidi presented his government programme during the parliamentary session — a sitting that was not broadcast live — but has not publicly released the full text. At 40, he is Iraq’s youngest prime minister and was named prime minister‑designate on April 27 by President Nizar Amedi, who tasked him with assembling a cabinet.
Background and Credentials
Unlike many predecessors, Al‑Zaidi has no long record in political office or government administration. Born in Baghdad into a prominent family from Dhi Qar, he built his career in the private sector and academia. He holds bachelor’s degrees in law and finance, a master’s degree in banking and finance, and is a member of the Iraqi Bar Association.
Key Challenges Ahead
Analysts say Al‑Zaidi’s lack of an entrenched political track record is both an opportunity and a challenge: his relative newcomer status gives him a “blank slate” acceptable to some domestic factions and international partners, but he must now deliver on difficult priorities. Immediate challenges include disarming Iran‑backed militias, tackling entrenched corruption, and balancing Iraq’s strategic ties between Washington and Tehran.
Al‑Zaidi’s appointment ended a months‑long political deadlock that included international intervention after former prime minister Nouri al‑Maliki briefly emerged as a frontrunner and faced strong opposition from the United States.
With several critical ministries still unresolved, Al‑Zaidi must complete his cabinet and translate his programme into concrete steps to stabilize Iraq’s politics and security environment.
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