Peregraf- Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, who also serves as deputy president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), on Sunday praised Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi's anti-corruption campaign, saying the Kurdistan Region has been a key partner in supporting the effort while calling for full implementation of Iraq's constitution and closer cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Balanda-Barzan Water Project, which supplies drinking water to 53 villages in the Mergasor, Khalifan, and Akre districts, Barzani said relations between the KRG and Baghdad have improved since al-Zaidi took office in May 2026.
"Our relations with Baghdad are at a very good level," Barzani said. "The Regional Government has continuously supported the new Prime Minister... We will continue to support him in implementing the constitution and improving relations between Erbil and Baghdad."
Barzani said the KRG supports Baghdad's campaign against corruption and expressed hope that it would succeed.
"We commend the campaign recently launched by the Prime Minister to eradicate and confront corruption. The Regional Government has been a key partner in supporting and assisting the Prime Minister in fulfilling this difficult task," he said.
The remarks come as Iraqi authorities continue to expand a sweeping anti-corruption campaign that has led to the arrest of dozens of senior officials, lawmakers, and businesspeople. In recent days, investigators have seized large amounts of cash, gold bars, and other valuables, with some raids carried out in the Kurdistan Region, according to Iraqi judicial authorities. Iraqi officials say additional arrests and asset seizures are expected as the investigation widens.
Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistan Region seeks equal treatment under Iraq's constitution.
"Our demand has always been for Baghdad to implement the constitution without discrimination, ensuring that the people of Kurdistan—like all people of Iraq—benefit from all their constitutional rights," he said.
Turning to Kurdistan's internal politics, Barzani called for the formation of the Kurdistan Region's next government, more than a year and a half after the parliamentary election held on October 20, 2024. Government formation has remained stalled amid ongoing negotiations among the Region's major political parties, including the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), as well as disagreements over power-sharing and cabinet positions.
He urged all political parties to place the public interest above partisan disputes, reactivate the Kurdistan Parliament, and move forward with forming a new cabinet.
"The parliament belongs to the people and should not be held hostage by anyone for personal gain," Barzani said.
He added that the KDP remains ready to work with all political parties to form the next government and address the Region's political and economic challenges.