Iraqi President Nizar Amidi officially approved Ali al-Zeidi as the country's Prime Minister and tasked him with forming a new government within 30 days, reports Todayinfo news agency.
Al-Zeidi's candidacy was proposed by the Coordination Council, the largest parliamentary bloc representing a coalition of Shia political forces. The President wrote on social media platform X: 'Within our constitutional powers, we have tasked the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc, Ali al-Zeidi, with forming a new government.'
Ali al-Zeidi is a prominent figure in the country's public and political life. His professional background includes finance, academia, and the media sector. He currently chairs the board of directors of the National Holding Company.
Earlier, in January, the Coordination Council had nominated former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for the post. That decision drew criticism from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to cut support for Iraq. In response, al-Maliki called the statement interference in internal affairs and a violation of state sovereignty.
Under Iraq's political system established after 2003, the presidency is traditionally held by a Kurdish representative, the speaker of parliament by a Sunni, and the prime minister is appointed from among Shia Muslims.
