By Haydar Karaalp

BAGHDAD

Iraqi authorities announced on Wednesday that Prime Minister-designate Adil Abdul-Mahdi will announce the new Cabinet and its program next week.

A statement from the prime minister office said Abdul-Mahdi has carried out discussions with the parliament speaker and others to decide upon a date for the announcement.

Bahram Salih, Iraq’s newly elected president, assigned Abdul-Mahdi as prime minister, on Oct. 2.

The prime minister-designate is allegedly backed by spiritual leader of Iraqi Shia Muslims Ali al-Sistani.

Abdul-Mahdi has served as the finance minister in the caretaker government and the oil minister from 2014 to 2016.