BAGHDAD: Iraqi lawmakers approved a new government on Thursday led by businessman Ali Al-Zaidi, who took office after months of deadlock and mounting US pressure.
“The Council of Representatives votes to grant confidence to the government of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi and its ministerial program,” the prime minister’s media office said.
In Iraq, a government wins a confidence vote when parliament approves half plus one of its ministries.
Zaidi’s government should include 23 ministers, but its line-up remains incomplete as key political parties continue to negotiate several portfolios.
The INA state news agency said that an “absolute majority” of MPs approved 14 ministerial nominations that were put to vote.
