In his speech prior to the vote, Sudani described the economic and political priorities of his government.

“The world is witnessing tremendous political and economic changes and conflicts, which will add new challenges to our country,” Sudani said. “We will ... do our utmost to succeed in addressing these challenges."

Iraq's strategic location, regional stature and influence in the world economy give it the opportunity to establish good relations "with neighboring countries and Arab and friendly countries,” he added.

Sudani presented his government's program to the parliament, which was approved as well. The program focused on dialogue regarding international forces in Iraq, supporting and developing the Popular Mobilization Forces, and ending the spread of uncontrolled weapons.

The program also states that the government will work on amending the electoral law within three months and will organize early elections within one year.

The following figures were appointed to lead ministries:

Health: Salih Mahdi

Finance: Taif Sami

Interior: Abdul Amir Al-Shimmery

Water Resources: Aoun Diab

Electricity: Ziad Ali Fadhil Sudani

Oil: Hayyan Abdul Ghani

Youth and Sports: Ahmad Al-Mubarqa’

Agriculture: Abbas Jabr

Transport: Razzaq Muhaibis

Labor and Social Affairs: Ahmad Al-Asadi

Communications: Hoyam Abboud

Higher Education: Na’im Al-Abboudi

Planning: Muhammad Tamim

Culture and Antiquities: Ahmad Fakkak Ahmad

Defense: Thabit Muhammad

Education: Ibrahim Namis

Industry: Khalid Battal

Trade: Athir Daowd Salman

Justice: Khalid Shawani

Foreign Affairs: Fuad Hussein

Immigration: Ivan Faiq

The participating political parties are the State of Law Coalition, the Fatah Coalition, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, the Taqadum Party led by Parliament Speaker Muhammad al-Halbusi, the Azm Alliance led by Khamis Khanjar and Muthanna al-Samarrai, the Patriotic Union Kurdistan, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and the Babylon Movement led by Ryan al-Kildani.

The Sadrist Movement, led by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and which withdrew from the parliament this past June, did not participate in the cabinet.

The independent members of the parliament also did not participate. Some of them boycotted the session and some others raised objections against the new government during the session, claiming the new government was a corrupt entity formed based on sectarian quotas.

Al-Monitor

Reporter's code: 50101