Sudani congratulates Zaidi as Iraq’s new PM after parliament confidence vote

BAGHDAD — Outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on Thursday after parliament granted confidence to his government, wishing the incoming administration “success in their work in service of Iraq and the Iraqi people.”

“I offer my sincere congratulations and best wishes” to Zaidi following the parliamentary vote, Sudani said in a post on X, adding that he supports the incoming administration as it assumes its executive responsibilities.

Parliament approved 14 ministers Thursday during a session attended by 266 lawmakers before Zaidi and the approved cabinet members took the constitutional oath. Several ministries remain unresolved, with confidence withheld from nominees for planning, higher education, interior, construction and housing and culture, while voting on defense, labor, migration and youth and sports was postponed.