Sunni bloc says government formation ‘understandings’ complete

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s National Political Council said Wednesday that understandings related to government formation have been completed and that its members are ready to attend a parliamentary confidence vote once called by Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi.

The council, also known as the Sunni Framework, met Wednesday evening at the residence of Sheikh Thabit al-Abbasi, with Halbousi and leaders of member parties in attendance. Participants confirmed “the completion of understandings related to the government formation file” and said they had submitted “an integrated paper” containing their vision and proposals for a government program that addresses demands related to their governorates.

Earlier Wednesday, Halbousi said parliament would receive the government program submitted by Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi “today or tomorrow, Thursday.” He had announced Monday that lawmakers would receive the program by end of week to review it before the cabinet lineup is presented for a vote.

The National Political Council was formed after the November 2025 elections by major Sunni parties — including Taqaddum, Azm Alliance, Sovereignty Alliance, National Hasm Alliance and Jamaheer Party — to coordinate positions on government formation and parliamentary affairs.

The Coordination Framework nominated Zaidi on April 27 after months of political deadlock. Negotiations over cabinet allocations have accelerated in recent days, with Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish blocs discussing ministerial shares under Iraq’s power-sharing system.