Iraq’s Vacant Cabinet Posts Expected to Be Finalized Following Prime Minister’s European Tour

Qusay Al-Shabaki, a member of the Iraqi Parliament representing the "Badr" bloc, stated on Thursday that the remaining vacant cabinet positions are expected to be settled following Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's upcoming official tour to Europe in mid-September.

Late last August, Iraqi Government Spokesperson Haider Al-Aboudi announced that Al-Zaidi would undertake an official visit to France and Germany in mid-September. The trip aims to diversify foreign relations and address several critical matters, including bilateral security cooperation.

Al-Shabaki noted in press statements that the Coordination Framework and other political blocs are actively coordinating with the Prime Minister to complete the ministerial lineup, emphasizing that recent meetings between the Coordination Framework and the Administration of State Coalition prioritized finalizing this file promptly.

He added that current disagreements center on naming candidates for the remaining portfolios in Al-Zaidi's government, specifically the security-related ministries (Defense and Interior), alongside lingering disputes over the Ministry of Migration and Displaced. Consequently, presenting the nominees for the nine vacant ministries will wait until after the Prime Minister returns from his European tour.

On May 14, the Iraqi Parliament approved Ali Al-Zaidi's government and its policy program with a partial cabinet of 14 ministers. Voting on the remaining nine ministries was deferred due to ongoing political rivalries over quota allocations, alongside reports of international caution regarding the inclusion of armed factions in the new cabinet structure. The Coordination Framework has authorized Prime Minister Al-Zaidi to engage in direct discussions with leaders of political blocs to reach a consensus on the remaining ministerial candidates.