Ali Faleh al-Zaidi Officially Assumes Duties as Prime Minister of Iraq

Iraqi PM's Media Office

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and new Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi.

The official handover ceremony between former Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and new Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi took place in Baghdad, with al-Zaidi formally assuming his duties as head of the federal government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The ceremony followed the 24th session of the parliament held on Thursday, 14 May 2026, chaired by Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi and attended by 266 members. During the session, lawmakers approved the government’s ministerial programme and granted confidence to al-Zaidi’s cabinet.

Three main pillars of the government programme

In his address to parliament, Prime Minister al-Zaidi outlined his government’s programme, stressing a commitment to meeting public expectations and prioritising citizens’ interests through three main tracks:

- Economic reform and development: focusing on diversifying income sources, promoting investment, and strengthening the financial and banking system.
- Social development: aimed at reinforcing social justice, supporting vulnerable groups, protecting children, and empowering women.
- Security sector reform: centred on restricting arms to the state, enhancing security forces’ capabilities, and strengthening public trust in the democratic process.

Confidence vote and cabinet formation

Parliament approved the ministerial programme with amendments proposed by the parliamentary committee and endorsed by the Speaker. Lawmakers then voted to grant confidence to 16 ministers, while five nominees did not receive approval.

Following the vote, Prime Minister al-Zaidi and the approved cabinet members took the constitutional oath before parliament, after which the Speaker adjourned the session.



PUKMEDIA