Al-Azm Coalition Stakes Claim to Planning and Culture Ministries

The Al-Azm Coalition has formally requested the Planning and Culture portfolios, with plans to submit its ministerial candidates following the Eid al-Adha holiday. Coalition representative Ghanem al-Aifan confirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the current government while maintaining flexibility regarding specific appointments. Al-Aifan emphasized that the coalition possesses a deep bench of qualified candidates and remains open to adjusting nominations for the vacant positions. This strategic positioning follows the Iraqi Parliament’s May 14 session, which granted a vote of confidence to Prime Minister Ali Zidi’s cabinet for 14 ministries. Political deadlock among parliamentary factions previously forced the postponement of confirmation votes for the remaining nine cabinet seats. These outstanding appointments are now scheduled to be addressed after the conclusion of the Eid al-Adha holiday period. While the coalition continues to provide institutional support to the administration, leadership clarified that this backing is not contingent upon the appointment of any single individual. The ongoing negotiations reflect broader efforts to finalize the cabinet structure and resolve outstanding ministerial vacancies.