Political blocs stake out ministry claims as Zaidi begins cabinet consultations

BAGHDAD — Political figures have begun publicly staking out ministerial claims following the designation of Ali al-Zaidi to form Iraq’s next government, with proposed distributions circulating among blocs before formal negotiations conclude.

Hassan al-Khafaji, a lawmaker from the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, said in a televised interview that the Ministry of Education would go to the Shiite component, Higher Education to the Sunni component, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would remain with the Kurdistan Democratic Party despite calls from some Shiite factions to reclaim it. He said the Ministry of Oil would go to the Reconstruction and Development Coalition and the Ministry of Finance to Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Khafaji added that the new cabinet would include four deputy prime ministers — two for the Shiite component, one for the Sunni component and one for the Kurdish component.

Badr Organization parliamentary bloc spokesperson Hamed al-Moussawi said separately that Badr, which holds 20 parliamentary seats, is entitled to two ministries and 20 senior positions under the current political allocation system.

Al-Zaidi began consultations Wednesday with Coordination Framework leaders, meeting State of Law Coalition head Nouri al-Maliki, Badr Organization leader Hadi al-Amiri, Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim and Asaib Ahl al-Haq leader Qais al-Khazali. He has 30 days to form a cabinet, draft a government program and secure parliamentary approval.