The Iraq cabinet formation talks continue to shape Iraq’s political landscape as parties negotiate key ministerial positions in the incoming government led by Ali al-Zaidi. Furthermore, a preliminary map reveals intense bargaining among major political blocs over cabinet power.
A political source confirmed that the Reconstruction and Development Coalition will secure the largest share of ministries. In addition, the coalition holds 46 parliamentary seats after the recent elections.
The plan allocates five ministries to the group. Moreover, it includes the important Finance Ministry along with a deputy prime minister position.
Other major blocs within the Coordination Framework also received preliminary allocations. Consequently, negotiations continue as parties balance influence and political weight.
The State of Law Coalition, led by Nouri al-Maliki, will likely receive the Oil Ministry. Additionally, it may gain another service-related portfolio.
The Badr Organization, led by Hadi al-Amiri, is expected to take control of the Interior Ministry. Meanwhile, other allied groups also secured strategic positions.
The National Wisdom Movement will likely receive the Planning Ministry. At the same time, the Electricity Ministry may go to the Virtue Party.
The Services Alliance is expected to lead the Education Ministry. Furthermore, the Supreme Islamic Council may take charge of Youth and Sports.
The Sadiqoun Movement could receive both the Labor and Industry ministries. It may also gain a deputy prime minister role under the proposed distribution.
The Iraq cabinet formation talks also include Sunni and Kurdish political blocs. Therefore, negotiations extend beyond the Coordination Framework.
The Progress Party is expected to secure the Higher Education Ministry. In contrast, the Al-Azm Alliance may receive the Defense Ministry.
Among Kurdish parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party may take Foreign Affairs and Justice. Additionally, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan may receive the Health and Culture ministries.
Iraq continues to follow a power-sharing system known as muhasasa. As a result, ministries divide among political and ethnic groups after each election cycle.
Negotiators currently use a points-based system to distribute portfolios. For example, ministries carry different values based on financial and political importance.
Officials close to the talks say Al-Zaidi formed two working teams. One team focuses on the government program, while the other handles cabinet selection.
Furthermore, political leaders plan additional meetings to finalize the structure. These discussions aim to resolve remaining disputes over key ministries.
Earlier this week, Iraq’s presidency assigned Al-Zaidi the task of forming a government within 30 days. Consequently, he must secure parliamentary approval under constitutional rules.
The Iraq cabinet formation talks now remain at a critical stage. Therefore, final decisions will determine Iraq’s political direction in the coming term.
Observers expect continued negotiations as parties protect their influence. Meanwhile, public attention grows as Iraq approaches a decisive political transition.
