Iraq’s parliament has approved a new government, ending months of deadlock as the country battles an economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic.
Former intelligence chief Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the third man to be nominated to replace Adel Abdul Mahdi since November, was sworn in as prime minister after Wednesday night’s vote.
“The security, stability and blossoming of Iraq is our path,” he tweeted.
However, Mr Kadhimi will not start his term with a full cabinet.
Political factions are still negotiating over the candidates for the key ministries of oil and foreign affairs, while lawmakers rejected his picks for trade, justice, culture, agriculture and migration.
The US and the United Nations welcomed the formation of a new government, but urged Mr Kadhimi to move swiftly to address Iraq’s problems.
