Tensions escalated between Qubad Talabani and Masrour Barzani over the PUK's slogan ‘We'll end it’

Peregraf

During today's meeting of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers today, a dispute arose between Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani regarding the slogan "We will bring an end to it," which serves as the primary slogan for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in the upcoming Kurdistan parliamentary elections.

A source informed Peregraf that, “Mr. Masrour” directed a remark at Mr. Talabani, stating, "I am uncertain whether our friends will bring about our end or that of Sulaymaniyah."

In retaliation, Qubad Talabani asserted, "We will bring an end to you and your authoritarian governance. Your last 11 seats are finished." The reference to the 11 seats pertains to the community seats in the Kurdistan parliament, which the PUK and several other political entities contend have been misappropriated by the PDK under the pretense of representing minority interests.

The source from Peregraf reported that following this exchange, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, leading Masrour Barzani to refrain from responding to Qubad Talabani and ultimately conclude the meeting.

Furthermore, during the KRG Council of Ministers meeting, Qubad Talabani altered the cover image of his Facebook page to display a raised clenched fist of Bafel Talabani, the PUK leader, alongside the PUK's election campaign slogan, "We will end the authoritarian regime."

In response to the change in cover image, Peshwa Hawramani, the KRG spokesman, commented on Talabani’s Facebook, addressing Qubad Talabani: "Mr. Qubad, we are still in the Council of Ministers meeting. You are seated before me as the Deputy Prime Minister of this regime. Which regime are you referring to—the one currently assembled or another? Why did you not change the cover image after the meeting?"