Peregraf — Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi continued his political consultations on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, to form Iraq’s new government, holding separate meetings with senior leaders of the ruling Shia alliance as efforts intensify to secure support for his ministerial cabinet.
Al-Zaidi met with Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition; Hadi al-Amiri, leader of the Badr Organization; and Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the National Wisdom Movement, Mohammed al-Halbousi, leader of Iraq’s Taqadum Party.
Meetings Focus on Government Formation
According to the prime minister-designate’s media office, Al-Zaidi and Maliki discussed the current political situation in Iraq and stressed the need to unify the efforts of all political forces to accelerate the formation of a national government that meets the aspirations of Iraqis.
In his meeting with Amiri, both sides reviewed the country’s general conditions and emphasized strengthening political cooperation and working seriously to form a government focused on serving citizens across all regions.
During discussions with Hakim, they focused on national affairs and the importance of intensifying efforts among political blocs to ensure the swift formation of a government capable of addressing Iraq’s political, economic, and security challenges.
These meetings are part of Al-Zaidi’s broader consultations following his official designation, aimed at building enough political consensus to secure parliamentary approval for his cabinet inside the Iraqi Council of Representatives (CoR).
Support from Sudani
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani also received Al-Zaidi to discuss domestic and regional developments.
Sudani stressed the importance of national unity and working with a spirit of partnership and responsibility, while expressing full support for Al-Zaidi in his mission.
He also emphasized the need for a peaceful transfer of power within constitutional and democratic frameworks to overcome challenges and preserve stability.
U.S. Embassy Backs Government Formation
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad also congratulated Al-Zaidi following his designation, expressing support for efforts to form a government capable of fulfilling the hopes of Iraqis.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the U.S. Mission to Iraq said it extends its best wishes to Al-Zaidi and stands with Iraq in protecting sovereignty, strengthening security free from terrorism, and building a prosperous future.
Chosen After Weeks of Deadlock
On April 27, 2026, Iraq’s ruling Coordination Framework (CF) selected Ali al-Zaidi as its candidate for prime minister, and President Nizar Amedi officially tasked him with forming the next Iraqi government.
The nomination followed weeks of internal divisions within the alliance over the premiership, mainly centered around the candidacies of Maliki and Sudani.
Both leaders eventually withdrew, allowing the alliance to settle on Al-Zaidi as what it called a "consensus candidate."
Al-Zaidi, in his early forties, is a businessman with a background in law and finance. He currently chairs the National Holding Company and previously headed al-Janoob Islamic Bank.
Under the Iraqi constitution, he now has 30 days to present a cabinet and secure parliamentary approval for his government.