The National reports on the formation of the Iraqi government.

The Iraqi parliament is scheduled to vote on Thursday on the cabinet lineup presented by Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, according to a report published Wednesday in the British newspaper The National. The report, translated by Al-Maalomah News Agency, stated that al-Zaidi was nominated by the largest parliamentary bloc, the Coordination Framework bloc, as a consensus candidate for the position last April. His business empire spans from supplying the Iraqi government’s food basket program, which serves millions of citizens, to investments in banking, construction, real estate, tourism, agriculture, food, glass, education, medical services, and energy.

The report added that the 41-year-old has no political background; instead, his public image is built on business ventures that have flourished thanks to lucrative deals with the government. The report continued, “The vote is a crucial step in the government formation process. An absolute majority is required to approve the government, which the prime minister-designate must present within 30 days of his nomination. Al-Zaidi has sought to garner support from various factions within the country.”

The report added, “No details of the proposed cabinet have been released, but Iraqi politicians told the newspaper that al-Zaidi is expected to present approximately half of his cabinet to parliament.”

The Iraqi economy is under severe strain following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This closure has reduced Iraq’s oil exports—the lifeblood of its economy—from 3.5 million barrels per day to around 300,000 barrels per day, further straining an already fragile system. Al-Zaidi also faces the challenge of addressing rampant corruption while rebuilding relations with neighboring Gulf states.

Almaalomah.me