Peregraf
In a significant political development, the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Bafel Talabani, met with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) member, Masrour Barzani. The meeting, which took place on a one-on-one basis, was described as smooth and constructive.
KDP Politburo member Hoshyar Zebari confirmed the encounter in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Yesterday’s meeting between PM Masrour Barzani and President of the PUK Bafel Talabani went smoothly and had a frank & constructive discussion. It was in line with the negotiation process between KDP and PUK to form the new KRG government ASAP.”
This meeting is seen as a vital step in resolving ongoing tensions and expediting the formation of the new KRG government. Both parties have faced increasing pressure to overcome their political differences and address pressing governance challenges in the Kurdistan Region.
The KDP and PUK, as the top winners in the recent elections, continue working through a joint committee to draft a comprehensive governance program for the coming years. The committee aims to resolve longstanding disputes and establish a stable and functional administration.
Despite the Kurdistan Parliament holding its first session on December 2, progress has stalled due to disagreements, particularly between the KDP and PUK, over electing parliamentary leadership. These unresolved issues highlight the importance of the joint committee in fostering unity and cooperation.
In the elections, the KDP won 39 seats, making it the largest party, while the PUK secured 23 seats. Minority representatives and smaller parties collectively hold 38 seats. With 51 seats needed for a majority, coalition-building is essential to forming a stable government.
The KDP dominates in Erbil and Duhok, while the PUK leads in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja, reflecting the region’s political and territorial divides. Historically, coalitions between the two parties have been critical for stability, and renewing this partnership remains vital to addressing the challenges facing the Kurdistan Region.
As the KDP and PUK prepare for their first joint committee meeting after the New Year, the focus will be on crafting a shared vision for governance and bridging divides. The outcome of these discussions will shape the political and administrative future of the Kurdistan Region.