Iraq edges towards completing cabinet as negotiations intensify
BAGHDAD – Iraqi political factions are in advanced negotiations to complete Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet, with discussions entering what officials describe as a decisive phase to fill the remaining vacant ministries and end months of caretaker appointments that have weighed on the new government.
Senior Iraqi political sources said negotiations have intensified in recent days as parties seek a final agreement on the distribution of key ministerial portfolios and deputy prime minister posts, reflecting the parliamentary balance of power and the political understandings that accompanied Zaidi’s appointment.
The talks come as Baghdad seeks to project greater political stability before Zaidi’s expected visit to Washington, where discussions are expected to focus on economic cooperation, investment, regional security and Iran’s influence in Iraq.
The remaining negotiations are centred primarily on sovereign ministries and senior executive positions, which continue to represent the most politically sensitive elements of Iraq’s power-sharing system.
Mohammed al-Baldawi, a senior figure in the Sadiqoon bloc, the political wing of the Iran-aligned Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement, said the bloc expected to secure a deputy prime minister’s post in addition to a cabinet ministry, most likely the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, reflecting what it considers its parliamentary entitlement.
He said discussions had not yet reached their final stage, adding that another option under consideration would award the bloc two ministries if the deputy prime minister position is ultimately omitted from the government’s final structure.
Baldawi also indicated that negotiators were seeking broader geographical representation in the cabinet, suggesting Iraq’s southern Basra province could receive ministerial representation through appointments allocated to his bloc.
Nine ministries continue to be administered on an acting basis after political parties failed to agree on permanent nominees. They include the defence, interior, planning, higher education, migration, reconstruction and housing, labour, youth and sports, and culture ministries.
The security portfolios remain the most difficult obstacle because of their direct connection to Iraq’s internal balance of power and the country’s broader security architecture, while parallel negotiations continue over service ministries.
Political observers say Zaidi is attempting to preserve consensus among coalition partners rather than impose appointments that could trigger divisions within the governing alliance at an early stage of his administration.
Completing the cabinet is regarded as one of the government’s most important political challenges. Iraqi officials believe filling the remaining vacancies would strengthen executive institutions, reduce reliance on caretaker arrangements and provide greater policy continuity.
A successful agreement would also signal that the governing coalition can manage internal disputes while shifting its focus towards economic reform, public services and investment, issues widely viewed as priorities by Iraqi voters.