Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi officially takes office

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi officially assumed office on Saturday during a handover ceremony in Baghdad, succeeding former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, according to the Iraqi News Agency.The ceremony marked the formal start of al-Zaidi’s government following parliamentary approval earlier this month.On May 14, the Iraqi parliament granted confidence to Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and 14 ministers in his Cabinet, while delaying votes on nine remaining ministerial positions.The approval paved the way for the new administration to officially begin its duties.Iraqi President Nizar Amidi tasked al-Zaidi with forming a government on April 27 after the Coordination Framework Alliance, Iraq’s largest parliamentary bloc, agreed to nominate him for the premiership.Under Iraq’s political power-sharing system, the presidency is traditionally held by a Kurdish representative, the premiership by a Shia representative, and the parliamentary speakership by a Sunni representative.The current positions are held by President Nizar Amidi, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Parliament Speaker Hebat al-Halbousi.