Iraq’s outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani voiced support for the upcoming government on Wednesday. He urged political forces to back decisions that serve the country ahead of the crucial Iraq cabinet vote in parliament.
Lawmakers are expected to review the cabinet lineup of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi on Thursday. However, political disputes inside the ruling coalition continue to raise doubts about the session’s outcome.
Sudani delivered his farewell speech as Iraq prepares for a major political transition. He reflected on the challenges his administration faced since taking office in October 2022.
Sudan said the country struggled through severe regional tensions and security concerns. In addition, Iraq faced growing pressure during the recent conflict between Iran and Israel. Despite those tensions, Sudani said his government protected national stability through balanced diplomacy.
Furthermore, he stressed that Iraq avoided taking sides in regional conflicts. He argued that this strategy helped preserve internal security and reduce political unrest.
Sudani also highlighted the priorities of his administration. He said the government focused on fighting corruption and reducing poverty. Moreover, officials worked to lower unemployment and improve public services. His administration also pursued financial and administrative reforms across state institutions.
At the same time, Sudani expressed full support for Zaidi’s incoming cabinet. He said he would support any decision that benefits Iraqi citizens and strengthens state institutions.
Meanwhile, Iraq’s parliament published Thursday’s legislative agenda earlier this week. The schedule confirmed that lawmakers plan to discuss and vote on Zaidi’s ministerial program. The session will also include a vote on the proposed cabinet members.
Still, political disagreements continue to threaten the timing of the Iraq cabinet vote. Several parties inside the Coordination Framework remain divided over ministerial allocations.
Aqeel al-Rudaini, spokesperson for the Victory Coalition, confirmed the ongoing disputes earlier this week. He explained that political factions continue negotiating sovereign ministries and senior government positions.
The disagreements reportedly involve the deputy prime minister post and key ministries. Those ministries include defense, finance, foreign affairs, interior, and oil.
The Coordination Framework remains Iraq’s largest parliamentary alliance. The coalition controls 174 seats in the 329-member legislature. In late April, the alliance officially selected Zaidi as its candidate for prime minister.
Soon after the nomination, President Nizar Amedi tasked Zaidi with forming a new government. Iraq’s constitution requires the prime minister-designate to present a cabinet within 30 days.
Since then, Zaidi has held talks with several political groups. He discussed cabinet positions and government priorities with party leaders and parliamentary blocs.
Last week, Zaidi submitted his government program to Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi. Iraqi state media later confirmed that lawmakers would review the program before examining cabinet nominees.
As political negotiations continue, attention now shifts toward Thursday’s session. Many Iraqis hope the Iraq cabinet vote will end months of uncertainty and open a new chapter for the country.
