Maliki adviser tells PM-designate Zaidi that state media should ‘manage itself’

BAGHDAD — A senior adviser to State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki on Wednesday outlined priorities for Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, calling for the independence of the state-owned Iraqi Media Network and a overhaul of Iraq’s diplomatic presence in the United States.

Abbas al-Moussawi said it is “forbidden” for officials in the prime minister’s media office to direct the Iraqi Media Network, stressing that it “should manage itself.” He called the separation of powers “very important in the next stage” and said restoring media trust in state institutions is a key priority, urging that journalists not face “pressure” or punishment.

The Iraqi Media Network has been a site of political contestation. In March 2024, Nabil Jasim was removed as its head after parliament voted to withdraw confidence in him following a grilling over alleged affiliations and management decisions. Political blocs within the Coordination Framework had maneuvered for influence over the network in the period leading up to his dismissal. Karim Hammadi currently heads the network.

In late March 2024, a TV presenter announced the suspension of her program on state broadcaster Al-Iraqiya after an episode on fuel price hikes.

964media had at the time reported a strategic realignment within the Iraqi political landscape, with major political blocks within the Coordination Framework maneuvering for influence over the Iraqi Media Network. This power struggle pointed to a broader ambition among these factions to assert control over state media channels, especially in the vacuum left by the Sadrist Movement’s withdrawal from active political roles.

On diplomacy, Moussawi said Iraqi diplomats in the United States were focused on “building personal relationships only,” which he described as making the mission “unsuccessful,” and called for a reorientation of foreign relations priorities.

Regarding cabinet formation, Moussawi said no minister would be imposed on al-Zaidi, who would select from three candidates proposed by political blocs for each ministry while retaining full discretion over some posts. He said “everyone in the Coordination Framework wants to reach the formation of the government as quickly as possible” and that intentions to obstruct the process “do not exist so far.”

Al-Zaidi was nominated Monday by the Coordination Framework following months of deadlock after the November 2025 parliamentary elections. He has 30 days to form a cabinet, draft a government program and secure parliamentary approval.