Zaidi formally assumes office, pledges economic reform and fight against corruption

BAGHDAD — Ali al-Zaidi officially assumed his duties Saturday as Iraq’s prime minister and commander-in-chief of the armed forces during a handover ceremony at the Government Palace in Baghdad attended by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

In his first address to Iraqis after taking office, Zaidi outlined priorities including economic reform, anti-corruption measures and improvements to public services.

“I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Council of Representatives for the national vote of confidence,” he said, also thanking Coordination Framework leaders and political parties involved in forming the government.

Zaidi said his administration would pursue “a comprehensive economic and financial reform program aimed at building a strong, diversified, and sustainable national economy that does not rely on a single resource,” focusing on industry, agriculture, tourism and investment. He pledged to combat corruption, describing it as “an obstacle to development and delays the progress of the state,” and said creating jobs for young people through development projects and private sector support would be among the government’s top priorities.

On services, Zaidi said “the file of services and infrastructure will no longer remain hostage to deferred promises,” committing his government to projects covering electricity, water, roads, sewage, transportation and housing. He also promised reforms in education and healthcare, including developing school curricula and improving hospitals across urban and rural areas.

Parliament approved 14 ministers Thursday during a session attended by 266 lawmakers. Several nominees failed to secure confidence, including those for planning, higher education, interior and construction and housing. Voting on defense, labor, migration and youth and sports ministries, along with deputy prime minister positions, was postponed.