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Iraq’s parliament completed the formation of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government on Thursday, approving previously vacant cabinet posts and three deputy prime ministers, according to Al Jazeera.
The lawmakers approved 11 portfolios, with Nayef al-Shammari as defense minister and Yasir al-Maliki as interior minister. Votes on certain posts, like the migration and displacement minister, were postponed.
Among the approved deputies is Laith al-Khazali, linked to the US-sanctioned Asaib Ahl al-Haq group. The US labeled this group a terrorist organization in 2020 for past attacks, including one in 2007 killing five US soldiers.
Ali al-Zaidi thanked parliament post-approval and emphasized addressing economic and security challenges heightened by the US-Israel conflict with Iran, ongoing since February.
The conflict impacts Iraq’s oil exports, essential for its revenue, leading to liquidity issues. To counteract this, al-Zaidi devalued the dinar by 15% against the dollar.
Al-Zaidi disclosed inheriting public debt of over 208 trillion dinars, questioning former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's administration. Monthly government needs stand at 10 trillion dinars for salaries and spending.
He pledged to combat corruption, disarm armed groups, and pursue the withdrawal of US forces.
