Politics · Other · 2 hrs ago
Iraq parliament completes al-Zaidi cabinet as economic pressures grow
Iraq’s parliament approved 11 cabinet posts and three deputy prime ministers, completing most of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government.
The vote included appointments to defence and interior, as well as planning, culture and higher education roles.
Lawmakers postponed the migration minister vote because parties disagreed over the nominee.
One approved deputy prime minister is Laith al-Khazali, a senior figure in the Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement; the United States has sanctioned him and his brother, the group’s leader.
Iraq faces a severe shortage of available funds as the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran disrupts oil exports, which had provided most government revenue.
Al-Zaidi said the state needs about 10 trillion dinars a month for salaries and essential spending, and that public debt exceeds 208 trillion dinars.
The government says it will address economic and security challenges, and al-Zaidi has also pledged to fight corruption, disarm non-state armed groups and complete the withdrawal of US forces.
Iraq’s parliament completed Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet by approving 11 cabinet posts and three deputy prime ministers.
Lawmakers postponed a vote on the nominee for migration and displacement minister because of disagreement among parties.
One approved deputy prime minister, Laith al-Khazali, is a senior leader of an Iran-backed movement and is under US sanctions.
Al-Zaidi said Iraq faces exceptional economic and security challenges amid the US-Israel war on Iran.
Iraq is also facing severe liquidity shortages, and al-Zaidi said public debt exceeded 208 trillion Iraqi dinars when his government took office in May.
- Who
- Iraq’s parliament and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government.
- What
- Parliament approved 11 cabinet posts and three deputy prime ministers, completing the cabinet’s formation.
- When
- Thursday; the article was published on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- Iraq.
- Why
- The approvals filled previously vacant cabinet posts. Al-Zaidi said the government faces economic and security challenges.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The US-Israel war on Iran began, according to al-Zaidi.
Al-Zaidi’s government took office.
Parliament approved 11 cabinet portfolios and three deputy prime ministers, while postponing a vote on the migration and displacement minister nominee.
- Cabinet portfolios approved
- 11
- Deputy prime ministers approved
- 3
- Postponed portfolio vote
- Migration and displacement
- Public debt reported
- More than 208 trillion Iraqi dinars
- Monthly spending need
- About 10 trillion Iraqi dinars
What people are saying
fulfil their responsibilities with the highest levels of commitment, competence and integrity
has imposed, and continues to impose, extraordinary economic challenges on Iraq.