Iraqi parlt to fill education, justice ministerial posts today
Prime Minister-designate Adil Abdul-Mahdi and parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – An Iraqi lawmaker said the parliament will hold a session Tuesday to vote on whether to approve new education and justice candidates for Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s cabinet, a move which could spark panic among Iraqis as the key defense and interior ministerial posts have not been filled yet.
Speaking to Baghdad Today news website, MP Naeem al-Aboudi said, “The parliament’s session today will witness the approval of new education and justice candidates for Abdul Mahdi’s cabinet.”
“The vote on the nominees for the powerful defense and interior ministries would be delayed,” he added, without giving further details.
Earlier reports said that Abdul Mahdi suggested Sofana Hussien Ali as a nominee for the education ministry, and Rakan Qader Wali Karim for the justice ministry.
Last October, the parliament approved 14 ministers of Adel Abdul Mahdi’s government, allowing him to become prime minister.
Lawmakers were planned to vote on the remaining ministers in November but the vote was delayed due to political disagreements over nominees.
The new government will be tasked with rebuilding much of the country after a devastating war against Islamic State and solving acute economic problems, which promoted angry protesters to stage rallies nationwide, particularly in Basra, over power and water shortages.