Iraqi blocs push to fill vacant ministries after legislative recess

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi political blocs are engaged in intensive contacts to fill long-vacant ministerial seats ahead of the end of the parliamentary recess, a coordination framework said. The Coordination Framework, which includes the main Shiite parliamentary groups, met at the office of former National Wisdom Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim, with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani's government representative attending, and called for completing the cabinet swiftly while supporting the government's reform program. Participants reviewed proposals to address the economic crisis and chronic power shortages, and agreed to prepare a joint file to present to the State Administration Coalition. Coalition of Services spokesperson Hussein al-Rubay'i said completing the cabinet would strengthen the government's executive capacity and improve coordination between the legislative and executive branches. Lawmaker Doha al-Sadhan said ministers whose names have not yet been approved will be put to a confidence vote when parliament reconvenes, and rejected candidates could be reconsidered. Ghanim al-Aifan of the Azm Alliance said the cabinet shuffle would preserve political balances without harming any single bloc. Political analyst Samer al-Jubayri warned that the prolonged delay has disrupted institutional functioning and eroded public trust, and urged that a decisive session be held once the recess ends.