Iraqi Parliament Completes Preparations for Vote on Ali al-Zaidi Cabinet Amid Disputes Over Key Ministries

Peregraf — Iraq's Council of Representatives has completed preparations for a parliamentary session to vote on the cabinet of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, as political disputes continue over several key sovereign ministries.

Secretary-General of the Council of Representatives Safwan al-Gargari said all logistical and procedural preparations for the session have been finalized.

In remarks to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Gargari said invitations would be sent to political and diplomatic figures to attend the confidence vote session, adding that parliament is awaiting the speaker's office to confirm whether the session will be held on Monday or Tuesday.

Disputes Over Sovereign Ministries Continue

Despite progress toward government formation, disagreements reportedly remain over several major ministries, particularly the Interior, Oil, and Foreign Affairs ministries.

Member of Parliament (MP) Mohammed al-Ziyadi told Al-Sabah newspaper that political forces are considering passing "50% plus one" of the cabinet positions initially to ensure constitutional progress, while postponing unresolved ministerial portfolios until a later stage.

He also said discussions continue regarding restructuring ministries and potentially creating a Ministry of State.

Cabinet "Nearly Complete"

MP Mohammed Hadi al-Shammari stated that the cabinet lineup is close to completion and expected al-Zaidi to present around 80% of ministerial positions during the session.

He said there are currently no major constitutional obstacles preventing the cabinet confidence vote from proceeding.

Meanwhile, MP Safiya al-Jizani confirmed the vote session is expected this week, though no official date has been announced.

Kurdish Demands Presented in Baghdad Talks

Wafa Mohammed, a Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) official, said recent talks in Baghdad — in which Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani participated — helped create what she described as a positive atmosphere for government formation.

According to Wafa Mohammed, Kurdish parties presented demands related to the federal budget, the oil and gas law, implementation of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, election law reforms, and restricting weapons to state control.

Last Thursday, al-Zaidi submitted his ministerial program to Council of Representatives Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi.

The cabinet formation process comes after weeks of negotiations and political deadlock within Iraq's ruling Shia Coordination Framework coalition.