Federal High Court Sets July 1 Hearing on PM Appointment Challenge

Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court has set 1 July for the first hearing in a challenge to the appointment of Ali Zeydi as prime minister, moving a politically sensitive dispute over the government formation process into the courtroom. The case could test the legality of the appointment and the standing of those contesting it. Former lawmaker Raid Maliki, who filed the lawsuit, said he received official notice by email and was also sent the defense memo submitted by the acting president. The defense argues that the plaintiff has no legal interest in the case and that the parties to the lawsuit were not properly identified. The acting president’s memo also says Zeydi has political experience and argues that anyone taking office should give up personal interests. The filing presents the appointment as consistent with political responsibility and institutional practice. Maliki said he is determined to continue with the case, will attend all hearings, and will submit a new petition in response to the defense objections. The court’s first session on 1 July is now set to determine how the challenge proceeds.