Baghdad - INA
Pace is being accelerated within political and parliamentary circles as the constitutional deadline approaches, with the aim of providing the necessary support to Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi in forming his cabinet within the specified timeframe.
Current assessments indicate a high degree of national flexibility among the political blocs, which have demonstrated a tangible commitment to the success of the Prime Minister-designate's mission. This commitment is evidenced by their offering multiple options for ministerial portfolios and their complete readiness to reach an understanding on names in a way that serves the public interest and the requirements of the current phase.
This political alignment stems from a comprehensive national desire to move forward with forming the government and overcome past political deadlocks. This initial consensus grants the Prime Minister-designate sufficient leeway to select a competent ministerial team capable of effectively managing strategic issues, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of the Iraqi people in the areas of the economy, security, and public services.
Member of Parliament Burhan al-Maamouri, representing the Thabitoun bloc in Diyala, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "there is political and parliamentary support for the prime minister-designate, linked to political balances and electoral entitlements." He explained that "this support is manifested in the ongoing dialogues between political blocs and the submission of lists of candidates, along with a media blackout to facilitate the government formation process."
He added that "there is flexibility among the political blocs, as some have expressed their willingness to replace their candidates if there are serious objections. There is also a trend toward adopting the principle of political balance and considering competence in appointing ministers." He noted that "creating new positions or modifying some government structures may be proposed as a compromise solution, but it faces reservations related to streamlining the government."
Al-Maamouri indicated that "Parliament is ready to hold a session to vote on the cabinet as soon as it is finalized, with coordination with the Speaker of Parliament to secure a quorum and expedite procedures." He emphasized that "parliamentary support is demonstrated by facilitating the holding of sessions and granting confidence within the constitutional timeframes, while the political consensus remains the decisive factor."
For his part, Asaad al-Safi, a member of the National Wisdom Movement, stated that there is flexibility and tangible progress in the dialogues being conducted by Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zubaidi to form the next government. He noted that the adopted criteria focus on "professionalism and technocracy," with priority given to young figures.
In an interview with the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Safi added, "The current circumstances and the extensive activity of the Prime Minister-designate through his meetings with the leaders of the parliamentary blocs reflect progress in the political and diplomatic process." He explained that "the goal is to reach a cabinet that balances electoral entitlement with the requirement of competence."
Meanwhile, legal researcher Ali al-Tamimi confirmed that "the Prime Minister-designate, from the largest parliamentary bloc, has thirty days to present his cabinet and ministerial program to the Council of Representatives, based on Article 76 of the Iraqi Constitution."
Al-Tamimi explained to the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "the prime minister-designate presents the names of his cabinet members and the ministerial program to the Council of Representatives within thirty days. He is considered to have obtained the parliament's confidence upon approval of the ministers individually and the ministerial program by an absolute majority, meaning half the number of those present plus one, after a quorum is reached."
He added that "Decision No. 93 of 2010 of the Federal Supreme Court does not obligate the prime minister-designate to name all members of his cabinet at once, whether in their permanent or acting capacities," clarifying that "the ministers can be presented in batches, and the Council of Representatives can approve the ministerial program and the ministers outside the period stipulated in the constitution."
For his part, political analyst Sabah al-Akeeli told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "Iraq has entered the final stages of forming a government after emerging from the political deadlock." He added that "there are positive indicators regarding the success of Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi in forming the government," explaining that "most political blocs have shown clear responsiveness and support, in addition to internal and external acceptance of the candidate of the largest bloc."
He pointed out that "meetings between the political forces are still ongoing, and most blocs are now almost in agreement on the cabinet," noting that "the coordination framework has given al-Zaidi leeway in choosing some ministers and making changes to some political figures, as well as the inclination to select technocrats for some ministerial portfolios."
Al-Akeeli stated that "most ministries have been finalized, even if some portfolios remain incomplete," emphasizing that "this will not prevent the Council of Representatives from holding a session to vote on granting confidence to the government."
He indicated that "al-Zaidi has conducted a series of visits and meetings with various political forces, including the blocs within the coordination framework, as well as meetings with Sunni and Kurdish political forces," noting that "his visit to Erbil came within the efforts to strengthen political understandings regarding the formation of the government." Al-Dhalimi stated that "current indicators suggest the government formation process may be faster than expected, especially given the domestic acceptance from various social and political groups, in addition to the international welcome the prime minister-designate has received from Arab and foreign countries."
He added that "Parliament may be ready to receive the new cabinet lineup next week, based on statements and media leaks from the prime minister-designate and some political forces."
