Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has arrived in Baghdad to participate in a State Administration Coalition meeting alongside key Iraqi political figures. Amid ongoing financial disputes over Kurdistan’s federal budget share and unresolved issues like unpaid civil servant salaries, Barzani is set to engage with Iraq’s top officials to advocate for Kurdish rights. The meeting highlights the Kurdistan Region’s push for fair treatment under Iraq’s federal system while strengthening ties through dialogue.
Barzani Leads KDP Delegation to Baghdad
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani is in Baghdad to attend the State Administration Coalition meeting alongside political leaders, including PUK President Bafel Talabani. This gathering marks the coalition’s first meeting of the new year, following Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s recent visit to Tehran, where Iraq’s role in fostering regional security and unity was emphasized by Iranian officials.
Barzani’s presence underscores the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to resolving key issues through dialogue. Discussions will include financial disputes, such as Kurdistan’s delayed civil servant salaries, as well as broader topics like implementing constitutional provisions, including Article 140, which addresses disputed territories.
Financial Disputes Dominate Talks
One of the primary issues on the agenda is the unresolved dispute over Kurdistan’s share of Iraq’s federal budget. Despite the passage of Iraq’s three-year budget in June 2023, which allocated 12.6% to the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad has withheld payments, leaving December salaries unpaid. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani emphasized that financial stability for 2025 is a top priority.
In a cabinet meeting held before Barzani’s departure, KRG officials demanded full payment of civil servant salaries and called for fair allocation of funds based on constitutional criteria. The KRG also reiterated its commitment to transferring half of its local revenues to Baghdad, as stipulated by the budget agreement.
High-Stakes Meetings with Key Officials
Barzani is set to meet with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, and Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zidan. These meetings aim to address long-standing Kurdish demands, including the rights of the Peshmerga, rebuilding destroyed Kurdish villages, and compensation for the Anfal genocide victims.
Barzani will also engage with influential figures like former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and National Wisdom Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim to strengthen Kurdish representation in Baghdad. His discussions highlight the Kurdistan Region’s efforts to foster cooperation while asserting its constitutional rights.
The Kurdistan Region’s message is clear: unity among Kurdish politicians in Baghdad is crucial to ensuring fair treatment and upholding the principles of federalism. KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani warned that continued financial inequity and constitutional violations by Baghdad would prompt alternative measures, although no specifics were disclosed.
Broader Implications of the Coalition Meeting
The State Administration Coalition meeting, comprising Iraq’s major political parties, plays a pivotal role in shaping national policies. Barzani’s participation reinforces the Kurdistan Region’s determination to secure its financial and constitutional rights while strengthening ties with Baghdad.
With Kurdish parties holding about 60 seats in Iraq’s federal legislature and occupying key positions, including the presidency and several ministerial roles, their influence in Baghdad remains significant. However, opposition parties within the Kurdistan Region boycotted recent internal discussions, raising questions about political unity at this critical juncture.
