Lead

Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has formally taken office in Baghdad, pledging sweeping economic and financial reforms, according to Al Jazeera. He was sworn in with only a partial cabinet, as parliament has yet to approve key ministers, including those for interior and defence.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera reported that al-Zaidi, a 40-year-old businessman with no previous political or governmental experience, was named prime minister-designate on April 27 and tasked with forming a government. The outlet notes that his lack of political history is seen as an asset, potentially allowing him to be a more independent reformer.

In Iraq, a government wins a confidence vote when parliament approves half plus one of its ministries. Al-Zaidi's government is expected to include 23 ministers, but its lineup remains incomplete as key political parties continue to negotiate several portfolios. Parliament approved 14 ministers during the session, but failed to reach consensus on several remaining posts, including the interior and defence portfolios.

The prime minister's media office was quoted as saying: "The Council of Representatives votes to grant confidence to the government of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi and its ministerial programme." Lawmakers told the Reuters news agency that Basim Mohammed was appointed oil minister and Fuad Hussein was kept on as foreign minister. Al-Zaidi presented his government programme during the parliament session, which was not broadcast live, but has yet to announce it publicly.

Key Claims

  • Ali al-Zaidi has been sworn in as Iraq's new Prime Minister with a partial cabinet, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Parliament approved 14 ministers during the session, but failed to reach consensus on several remaining posts, including the interior and defence portfolios, according to the same outlet.
  • Al-Zaidi's government should include 23 ministers, but its lineup remains incomplete as negotiations continue.
  • Al-Zaidi has no history in political office or government administration, which is seen as an asset, as reported by Al Jazeera.