Zaidi meets president as political disputes over incomplete cabinet continue

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met Tuesday with President Nizar Amedi, who congratulated him on securing parliament’s confidence, with the two sides stressing the need for coordination among Iraq’s four presidencies to preserve stability and support the government’s program.

The meeting focused on improving “the country’s service and economic sectors” and addressing “the needs of all citizens,” according to a statement from the prime minister’s media office.

The meeting came as political tensions persist over last week’s confidence vote. A senior State of Law Coalition figure warned Monday that the Coordination Framework could “completely collapse” if unresolved entitlements from the session are not addressed, with discussions underway on forming a new parliamentary bloc. A Badr bloc MP has also described Zaidi’s ministerial program as “rhetorical” and said he “does not possess a vision” for the next phase.

Parliament approved 14 ministers Thursday and passed the government program, but rejected nominees for planning, culture, construction and housing, higher education and interior. Voting on defense, labor, migration and youth and sports ministries was postponed. Zaidi was nominated on April 27 following the withdrawal of both State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki and former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.