Peregraf
The Iraqi Ministry of Finance has remitted a portion of the November salaries to the Kurdistan Region, confirmed today by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Finance. According to the KRG Finance Ministry, the Kurdistan Region has received 631 billion 335 million dinars for November salaries, though over 990 billion dinars are required monthly to cover all public sector wages.
Rebaz Hamlan, the Deputy of Iraqi Finance Minister, stated that efforts are ongoing to address the salary shortfall and ensure that public sector employees receive their wages. Concurrently, the KRG has started distributing October salaries, with all employees expected to receive their payments by the middle of next week. November salaries are anticipated to follow soon after, but uncertainty remains regarding December salaries.
The persistent delays in salary distribution have severely impacted over 1.25 million public sector employees and pensioners across the Kurdistan Region, leading to significant financial strain and public unrest. Widespread protests have erupted in Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, Garmian, and Raparin, where many teachers and workers have organized boycotts in response to the prolonged delays.
The salary crisis originates from longstanding disputes between Baghdad and Erbil over budget allocations, coupled with inefficiencies in the KRG's payroll system. Despite Iraq's Federal Supreme Court ruling that Baghdad must release funds for KRG salaries under specific conditions, delays continue, leaving public sector workers uncertain about their financial future.
The situation highlights the urgent need for a concrete and sustainable solution to the salary crisis, which has exerted immense pressure on the Kurdistan Region’s workforce and economy.