Protests Erupt as Sulaymaniyah Educators Call for Salary Payments and Oppose KRG's My Account

Peregraf

Teachers in Sulaymaniyah staged a protest on the street today demanding the immediate payment of their long-overdue salaries for October, November, and December. The protesters are also calling for the execution of Iraq's salary domicilization program, referred to as "Tawteen," while opposing the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) enforcement of the My Account digital salary initiative (Hazhmary Mn) on public employees. The demonstration follows a widespread school boycott, which has caused significant disruptions to the region’s education system.

The financial crisis affecting the Kurdistan Region has left over 1.25 million public employees and pensioners unpaid for October, sparking protests across cities. Teachers in Sulaymaniyah, frustrated by months of uncertainty, are among the most vocal groups, urging authorities to resolve the crisis immediately.

The contention regarding salary disbursements arises from persistent conflicts between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). On December 4, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani attributed the issue to the KRG's failure to adhere to revenue-sharing commitments, alleging non-compliance with federal budget accords. During a parliamentary session, Al Sudani disclosed that merely 763 billion Iraqi dinars have been designated for the Kurdistan Region for the current year, asserting that Baghdad has met its legal responsibilities by transferring 763 billion dinars for the salaries of October.

“The issue is not political but arises from the KRG’s repeated non-compliance with budgetary obligations over previous years,” Al Sudani said. He also rejected the KRG’s request to redirect funds from the investment budget to cover salary shortages.

The Kurdistan Region requires over 900 billion dinars monthly for salaries, but Baghdad argues that Erbil has already received its full share of the federal budget, amounting to 12.67%. The delays, compounded by inefficiencies in the KRG’s payroll system, have left public employees in a precarious position, with September salaries distributed nearly 50 days ago.

The financial crisis highlights the deepening tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, as both sides trade blame over the gridlock. While a Federal Supreme Court ruling obliges Baghdad to cover KRG salaries under specific conditions, disagreements over revenue-sharing continue to fuel the impasse.

For teachers in Sulaymaniyah, however, the priority remains clear—urgent action is needed to address their immediate needs and bring an end to the disruptions in their lives and the education system.