Iraq parliament set to vote on 17 of 23 ministries as six remain disputed

BAGHDAD — Iraqi political blocs have begun announcing ministerial nominees ahead of Thursday’s parliamentary confidence vote on Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet, with parliament expected to vote on 17 of 23 ministries while six in flux due to political disputes.

The delayed portfolios are defense, interior, culture, labor, youth and sports, and migration and displaced persons. The postponements follow continuing disputes over the posts and reported U.S. opposition to the participation of armed factions in the incoming government.

Nominees announced so far include Bassem Mohammed Khudair for oil minister, put forward by the Reconstruction and Development Coalition. The Hikma Movement nominated Falih al-Sari for finance minister and Safaa al-Kinani, director of Ammar al-Hakim’s office, for youth and sports. Asaib Ahl al-Haq nominated Laith al-Khazali for deputy prime minister.

On the Sunni side, Taqaddum nominated Mohammed Nouri al-Karbouli for industry and Abdulkarim Abtan for education. Kurdish blocs put forward Fuad Hussein for foreign affairs and Rebaz Hamlan for construction and housing from the KDP, Khalid Shwani for justice from the PUK and Srwa Abdulwahid from the New Generation movement for environment.

The State of Law Coalition and other Coordination Framework blocs have not yet publicly disclosed all their nominees.