Iraq’s President Nizar Amidi has formally tasked Ali Al-Zaidi, the nominee of the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Iran-aligned political parties, with forming a new government within 30 days, INA reported on April 27.

In an official statement, the presidency said Amidi had “assigned the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc, Ali Al-Zaidi, to form the new government.”

Ali Falih Al-Zaidi, 40, is a legal, banking and economic figure born in Dhi Qar province. He holds a master’s degree in financial and banking sciences and has held several senior positions, including chairman of Al-Janoub Islamic Bank, head of the People’s University and Ishtar Medical Institute, and chairman of the National Holding Company. 

He also has investments across multiple sectors, including banking and supply chains linked to Iraq’s large public food distribution programme.

Al-Zaidi is widely regarded as a compromise candidate and is not well known in political circles, having never previously held a government position. Earlier, the Coordination Framework announced that its decision to nominate Al-Zaidi followed the withdrawals of both former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, and Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani, leader of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition.

In a statement, the alliance said the move showed a commitment to “higher national interests” and aimed to “help overcome political deadlock” in a manner suited to the country’s current challenges.

The Coordination Framework had earlier, in January, nominated Al-Maliki to succeed al-Sudani following parliamentary elections. However, reports indicated that Washington had warned it might halt support for Baghdad if Al-Maliki returned to power, complicating the political landscape.

Al-Maliki served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, a period marked by pivotal developments in Iraq’s modern history. His second term saw strained relations with the United States, while ties with Iran grew stronger.

Al-Sudani, has reaffirmed his support for Prime Minister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi in his efforts to form a new government. During a meeting on April 28, al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the success of Al-Zaidi’s mission and demonstrated the need to uphold the peaceful transfer of power in line with constitutional and democratic processes. 

He also noted that the current phase demands intensified cooperation among all political forces to overcome major challenges, safeguard national interests, and promote stability across Iraq.

The meeting also reviewed the broader domestic and regional situation, with both sides confirming unity and collective responsibility to establish an inclusive and capable government. 

Leaders of the Coordination Framework are expected to meet later to discuss the formation of the new cabinet, as Ali Al-Zaidi works within a 30-day constitutional deadline to present his government to parliament.

As the youngest figure to be tasked with the role, he faces complex challenges, including managing armed factions, navigating regional relationships, and addressing mounting economic pressures.

Among his most pressing priorities are responding to US calls to disarm Iran-backed groups, rebuilding ties with Gulf states affected by previous attacks, and stabilising the economy amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of Iraq’s oil revenue is linked. 

His task is further complicated by internal political rivalries and the competing influence of both the United States and Iran, within a system where executive power is concentrated in the office of the prime minister, while the presidency remains largely ceremonial.