Patriotic Union of Kurdistan PUK intensifies efforts to end the financial standoff between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad after federal authorities suspended salary disbursements to Kurdish employees. President Bafel Jalal Talabani pledges direct intervention through high-level talks with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, while party legislators demand emergency parliamentary sessions to address the escalating crisis affecting thousands of government workers.
The ongoing financial dispute between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraq’s federal government has reached a critical juncture as salary payments remain suspended, prompting decisive action from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The party leadership has emerged as a key mediator in seeking permanent solutions to the recurring financial disagreements that continue to impact government employees across the Kurdistan Region.
PUK Leadership Takes Direct Action Against Financial Deadlock
At a commemorative ceremony held at Sulaymaniyah International Stadium celebrating the PUK’s 50th anniversary Golden Jubilee, President Bafel Jalal Talabani delivered a forceful statement regarding the salary crisis. His remarks emphasized the party’s unique position in addressing political miscalculations that have led to the current impasse.
“No one but the PUK can rectify the mistakes made by others, and it is unjust for our people to bear the consequences of certain political statements,” President Bafel declared before the assembled crowd. His comments reflected growing frustration with the prolonged nature of the dispute and its impact on ordinary citizens who depend on government salaries for their livelihoods.
The PUK leader demonstrated his commitment to resolving the crisis by announcing his willingness to engage in direct diplomacy with federal authorities. “We are determined to settle the issue of salaries in Kurdistan, and I am prepared to travel to Baghdad if required,” he stated, signaling a hands-on approach to the negotiations.
President Bafel revealed that he had already initiated contact with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani through telephone conversations, underscoring the urgency of finding a mutually acceptable solution. His diplomatic outreach represents a significant development in efforts to bridge the gap between regional and federal positions on the salary dispute.
“We believe dialogue and mutual understanding between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad are essential to resolving these issues,” President Bafel stressed, highlighting the PUK’s commitment to constructive engagement rather than confrontational politics.
Parliamentary Intervention Sought to Address Employee Hardship
MP Sabah Habib, speaking on behalf of the PUK parliamentary bloc, emphasized the party’s consistent efforts to mediate between the KRG and federal authorities. His statements to PUKMEDIA revealed the depth of parliamentary involvement in addressing the financial disagreements that have characterized relations between the two levels of government.
“It is unacceptable for employees’ livelihoods and salaries to be withheld over technicalities,” MP Habib commented, expressing the party’s position that bureaucratic disputes should not compromise the welfare of government workers. The parliamentary bloc has taken formal action by requesting a dedicated session to examine the federal government’s decision to halt payments to Kurdish employees.
The PUK’s parliamentary strategy reflects a broader commitment to institutional solutions rather than relying solely on executive negotiations. By demanding legislative scrutiny of the salary suspension decision, the party aims to create additional pressure for resolution while ensuring transparency in the dispute resolution process.
Strategic Diplomacy and Emergency Measures Proposed
MP Habib provided additional context for President Bafel’s planned intervention in Baghdad, describing it as part of a comprehensive strategy to address longstanding financial issues between the regional and federal governments. The PUK leader’s decision to engage directly with federal officials represents a calculated effort to achieve breakthrough results where previous negotiations have stalled.
“President Bafel has decided to travel to Baghdad to engage directly with federal officials in order to achieve a lasting and comprehensive resolution to the salary payment crisis,” MP Habib explained. His comments emphasized the high stakes involved in the upcoming diplomatic initiative, noting that failure to resolve the matter would have “adverse consequences for both the governments.”
The urgency of the situation has prompted the PUK to seek extraordinary parliamentary measures despite the legislature’s current recess status. “Although the Iraqi parliament is currently in recess, our bloc has formally requested an emergency session of the parliament to devise a final solution to the recurring delays in employee salary payments,” MP Habib stated.
The parliamentary intervention strategy reflects growing domestic and international pressure for resolution through constructive dialogue. “There is a growing call from both domestic and international parties for the issue to be resolved through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding,” MP Habib noted, indicating broader stakeholder interest in ending the financial standoff.
The PUK’s multi-pronged approach combining direct presidential diplomacy with parliamentary pressure represents a comprehensive effort to break the deadlock that has left thousands of Kurdish government employees without their salaries, potentially setting a precedent for future resolution of similar disputes between regional and federal authorities.
