New government formed in Iraq after nearly 13 months

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Iraq formed its new government after almost 13 months, local media reports said on Thursday.

Iraqi lawmakers met to decide on the new government of the country and the government was formed as the parliament gave a confidence vote to the Cabinet led by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Earlier this month, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who was designated as Iraq's prime minister, was assigned to form the country’s new government after months of political instability.

Iraq's lawmakers elected Abdul Latif Rashid on Oct. 20 by a vote of 162-99, succeeding Barham Salih, who had been president since 2018.

Iraqi parties have been unable to agree on the formation of the country’s new government since last year’s general elections.

Under a political norm in Iraq since 2006, a Kurdish candidate is elected the president, while a Sunni heads the parliament and a Shia takes the role of the prime minister.