Spy chief named Iraq's third PM-designate this year

BAGHDAD－Iraq's intelligence chief was on Thursday appointed the country's third prime minister-designate this year, after the resignation of the most recent candidate amid political infighting, but the path to forming a government remained uncertain.

The upheaval prolongs a leadership vacuum at the helm of the government amid a severe economic crisis and viral pandemic. In December, caretaker prime minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi resigned under pressure from mass protests. The demonstrations have since died down amid the coronavirus outbreak but they could re-erupt as economic conditions worsen.

The candidacy of the second appointee, Adnan al-Zurfi, was imperiled in recent days when key Shiite parties rallied around Iraq's intelligence head, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, to replace him. His chances were further diminished when the main Kurdish and Sunni blocs withdrew support for his candidacy.

Iraq's president appointed Kadhimi, 53, as prime minister-designate shortly after Zurfi's resignation. According to Iraq's constitution, he has 30 days to present a Cabinet lineup to parliament for a vote.

Kadhimi must contend with the unenviable task of producing a Cabinet lineup that satisfies parties across Iraq's fragmented political scene, a task neither of his predecessors was able to fulfill. If confirmed as premier, he will have to steer the country through severe financial hardship amid plummeting oil prices, a multibillion-dollar budget deficit and the unprecedented crisis over the pandemic.

His coming to office would coincide with a potentially new chapter in US-Iraq relations, with strategic talks scheduled in mid-June. The future presence of the US in Iraq is on the agenda for discussion, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters recently. Meanwhile, the US-led coalition continues to withdraw from Iraqi bases in line with plans to consolidate in just two locations in the country.

The crude-exporting country earned just $2.9 billion from March oil exports at $28 per barrel, slashing in half government projections to fund state spending. Over 90 percent of Iraq's state revenue is derived from oil exports.

Iraq is also struggling to fund measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, with health officials reporting a shortage in testing equipment and ventilators. At least 69 people have died among more than 1,200 confirmed cases in the country, according to Health Ministry figures.

"With my mandate to lead the Iraqi government, I pledge to my honorable people to work to form a government that puts the aspirations and demands of Iraqis as the top priority," Kadhimi tweeted shortly after his appointment was announced.

Agencies Via Xinhua