Iraq's parliament has approved Ali al-Zaidi, a little-known banker, as prime minister, ending a five-month political deadlock. The vote took place on April 27, 2026, with 189 out of 329 lawmakers supporting his nomination, according to official results.
Al-Zaidi, who previously served as an adviser to the Central Bank of Iraq, was chosen as a consensus candidate after prolonged negotiations among political blocs. His selection was seen as a compromise to break the impasse that had paralyzed the government since the October 2025 elections.
In his first address to parliament, al-Zaidi pledged to prioritize economic reforms, fight corruption, and improve public services. He also vowed to address unemployment and strengthen Iraq's sovereignty.
The political deadlock had raised concerns about stability in Iraq, with analysts warning of potential delays in key legislation and budget approvals. The new government is expected to focus on rebuilding infrastructure and attracting foreign investment.
