Peregraf
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government have concluded a key meeting today in Baghdad regarding the salaries of Kurdistan Region public employees, but an immediate resolution remains elusive.
KRG Finance Minister Awat Sheikh Janab told reporters after the meeting that discussions focused on salary schedules for employees and pensioners. “We had an understanding in a positive atmosphere. We hope that the process will be finalized by tomorrow, allowing the KRG to receive funds on Sunday for the distribution of salaries,” he said.
The salary crisis has deepened tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, with both sides accusing each other of failing to uphold Iraq’s federal budget law. As a result, KRG employees—including teachers—have yet to receive their December 2024 salaries, leading to growing frustration.
For the past three days, teachers and public sector workers in Sulaymaniyah have staged protests at the United Nations office, demanding immediate salary payments and action on the Iraqi Federal Court’s ruling concerning the Tawteen program. Their demonstrations have coincided with a widespread boycott of schools across the city, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
The financial uncertainty has affected 1.25 million public sector employees and pensioners in the Kurdistan Region. Payment delays stem from long-standing disputes over budget allocations, inefficiencies in the KRG’s payroll system, and concerns over financial transparency. Despite a ruling from Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court mandating Baghdad to release funds for KRG salaries under specific conditions, the disbursement has faced repeated setbacks.
Protests highlight the urgency of resolving the salary dispute, as teachers and public servants demand immediate action to secure their livelihoods. With tensions running high, all eyes are now on Baghdad and Erbil to see if they can finalize a deal before the crisis further escalates.