Iraqi PM expands powers as political deadlock delays cabinet completion

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – A dispute over Iraq’s remaining vacant cabinet positions has expanded beyond the selection of ministers, with political factions now focusing on the growing authority of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, according to a report published by Al-Mada newspaper. The debate follows the leak of an official document indicating that Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi has reactivated and expanded the powers of the Commander-in-Chief Office, placing several key security institutions under its supervision while the Ministries of Interior and Defense remain without permanent ministers. According to Al-Mada, several political sources believe the expanded office significantly increases the prime minister’s direct oversight of Iraq’s security apparatus. The report says the office now oversees the Ministries of Interior and Defense, the Counter-Terrorism Service, the National Intelligence Service, the National Security Service, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), border crossings, military industries, and other security-related institutions. Consequently, some political figures have described the move as a “quiet coup” against Iraq’s post-2003 political framework, arguing that it centralizes authority within the prime minister’s office while reducing the practical influence of future ministers. Meanwhile, Iraq’s cabinet remains incomplete, with only 14 ministries currently filled while nine ministerial portfolios remain vacant. According to the report, political negotiations have become increasingly complicated, as disagreements now extend beyond candidate names to broader questions of political influence and institutional control. Sources cited by Al-Mada said the State of Law Coalition has proposed rotating senior security positions as part of efforts to break the deadlock, particularly regarding the Interior Ministry, which traditionally falls under the Shiite political share, while the Defense Ministry is typically allocated to Sunni representatives. However, negotiations have yet to produce a breakthrough. At the same time, Al-Mada reported that U.S. objections have become one of the main obstacles preventing completion of the cabinet. Political sources quoted in the report claim Washington opposes appointing individuals affiliated with armed factions to ministerial positions or senior executive offices. The report says these objections have complicated negotiations among members of the Coordination Framework, with some factions insisting that if their nominees are rejected, similar restrictions should apply to other political parties. As a result, discussions over the remaining cabinet positions have largely stalled. Political analysts interviewed by Al-Mada argue that the continued delay in appointing ministers has allowed Prime Minister Al-Zaidi greater flexibility in managing state institutions through acting officials and appointments within his office. According to the report, some political parties fear that prolonging the vacancies could further strengthen the prime minister’s influence over Iraq’s security establishment, making future ministerial appointments less significant. The report also notes that recent anti-corruption campaigns and shifting political alliances have altered the balance of power within the Coordination Framework, adding another layer of complexity to negotiations. Supporters of the government, however, argue that the current arrangements are necessary to maintain continuity while negotiations continue. Officials quoted by Al-Mada said acting appointments and the reactivation of the Commander-in-Chief Office ensure that security institutions continue functioning despite the absence of permanent ministers. They also expressed confidence that political forces will eventually reach an agreement to complete the cabinet, stressing that Iraq faces significant challenges, including anti-corruption efforts, security reforms, weapons control, and economic pressures linked to oil exports. Nevertheless, the report suggests that political parties continue to use the vacant ministries as leverage in negotiations with the prime minister, making the timeline for completing the government uncertain.