A government with no clear leadership: Al-Zaydi negotiates in Washington while internal disputes rage.
A government with no clear leadership: Al-Zaydi negotiates in Washington while internal disputes rage.
7-17-2026
Information / Report..
While Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi is conducting a series of meetings in the American capital, Washington, accompanied by a government delegation, to discuss political and economic issues and conclude agreements with the American side, his government is still operating with an incomplete cabinet, in a scene that raises questions about the ability of the executive authority to manage major issues while it lacks a number of original ministers.
Since the vote of confidence for the government, the completion of the cabinet has remained stalled amidst ongoing political disputes. The vote was accompanied by accusations against Speaker of Parliament Haibat al-Halbousi of obstructing the approval of several nominees, despite political forces asserting that their candidates had secured enough votes to gain parliamentary confidence. These forces maintain that what occurred was not a procedural error, but rather a deliberate act stemming from political calculations, plunging the country into a crisis whose repercussions continue to this day.
Observers emphasize that the government’s continued operation with a large number of vacant ministerial posts negatively impacts executive performance and weakens the institutions’ ability to implement government programs, particularly given the complex issues the government pledged to address, most notably combating corruption and implementing administrative and economic reforms.
In this context, MP Aqeel al-Fatlawi, spokesperson for the State of Law Coalition, confirmed to Al-Maalomah that “nine ministries remain vacant, which negatively impacts the work and performance of the current government.” He explained that “one of the priorities of the Council of Representatives in the coming period is to finalize the appointment of ministers according to political entitlements,” noting that “political agreements will be present in this matter, especially in the selection of new ministers.” He also called on political forces to prioritize the vision that serves the people and the nation over their own interests.
He clarified that “the State of Law Coalition’s candidate for the Ministry of Interior enjoys political acceptance, and the coalition is fully convinced that it has earned the legitimacy to receive its entitlement in al-Zaydi’s cabinet after obtaining the necessary votes. However, the Speaker of Parliament had a different opinion, which caused the cabinet to be delayed.” He emphasized that “the coalition will not operate outside the framework of political agreements.”
For his part, Aqeel al-Rudaini, spokesman for the Abadi coalition, confirmed to Al-Maalomah that “all the forces within the coordination framework have a serious and shared desire to finalize the cabinet formation,” noting that understandings and consultations are ongoing among the political forces to resolve this issue.
Al-Rudaini added that “consultations among the political forces are still continuing in order to reach final agreements on the vacant ministries, ensuring the completion of the cabinet and supporting the government’s work in implementing its program.”
He pointed out that “resolving the issue of the remaining ministries will give the government greater flexibility in implementing its service, economic, and security plans, as well as enhancing political stability in the coming period,” emphasizing that “the coordination framework attaches great importance to this issue and is working to complete it as quickly as possible.”
The continued shortage in the cabinet raises questions about the timing of proceeding with economic and investment agreements and deals during al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington, at a time when the government has not yet been able to complete its executive structure. Observers believe this could affect the effectiveness of implementing any understandings or commitments. Future-oriented.
Political observers are calling for the swift completion of the cabinet and the filling of the remaining ministerial vacancies to ensure the smooth functioning of the government and strengthen the executive branch’s ability to manage domestic and foreign affairs with its full authority.
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