Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi began his term with significant public backing, boasting the highest approval ratings among recent leaders. After his first 100 days in office, a notable 77% of Iraqis expressed satisfaction with his leadership, surpassing the approval ratings of his predecessors, including Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Mustafa al-Kadhimi. However, experts warn that this initial support may not prove sustainable.
Approval Ratings and Challenges Ahead
According to Munqith Dagher, chairman of the Independent Institute for Administration and Civil Society Studies in Baghdad, while the polling results show strong initial support, they also reveal signs of potential decline. Dagher highlighted concerns over al-Zaidi’s ability to address pressing issues, such as militia influence, economic difficulties, and the recent drop in the value of the Iraqi dinar. He described the current approval as a “fragile indicator” that may weaken if the government fails to deliver on its promises.
The survey, which polled over 2,000 Iraqis and reported a margin of error of approximately 3.5 percentage points, reveals a complex picture of public sentiment. Among those surveyed, 64% reported a sense of trust in al-Zaidi’s government, indicating a willingness to allow time for improvements. Many respondents expressed hope that al-Zaidi, seen as an outsider to the established political framework, could bring about meaningful change.
Corruption and Economic Concerns
Despite the overall support, concerns linger around corruption. The survey indicated that while 72% of participants believed the government was making strides against corrupt practices, a striking 86% still viewed corruption as a significant issue. Al-Zaidi initiated an anti-corruption campaign targeting key political figures, yet many Iraqis feel it has not been vigorous enough and has focused too heavily on mid-level officials, leaving high-profile perpetrators unaddressed. This disappointment could foster frustration and impact the government’s popularity in the long run.
Economic issues also top the list of public concerns, with 56% of respondents highlighting unemployment as a major priority. However, strikingly, a similar percentage expressed optimism about economic management under al-Zaidi, reflecting a belief that his business background may enhance the government’s performance. Following a currency crisis linked to diminished oil export revenues, confidence may soon be tested.
Sectarian Divides and Regional Sentiments
Approval ratings have also shown notable divides along sectarian lines. Sunnis displayed the highest trust in al-Zaidi’s government, exceeding 80%, while Shiites and Kurds reported lower levels of confidence, at 61% and 41%, respectively. This division is indicative of a broader pattern in Iraqi politics, marked by an informal power-sharing arrangement that has persisted since 2005.
In terms of regional relations, the Kurdish population has expressed more skepticism regarding al-Zaidi, with significant discontent towards both the U.S. and his administration. Faced with stalled regional projects and unmet demands for timely salary payments, Kurdish leaders are advocating for better representation in the national budget and governance frameworks that honor their local control.
In summary, while Ali al-Zaidi’s government initially enjoys robust approval, the challenges of managing corruption, economic hardship, and sectarian divides central to Iraqi politics suggest that maintaining this early support will require significant effort and commitment. Dagher’s ongoing analysis will provide crucial insights into whether al-Zaidi can build on this initial goodwill to nurture lasting trust and effectiveness.