Peregraf
This morning, Kurdistan Region Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani made an unexpected visit to their protest site, expressing solidarity with their demands.
A source from the teachers and public servants on strike told Peregraf that Talabani entered the tents around 7:00 a.m. without prior notice. “Only three or four of us were awake, and no formal meeting took place with him,” the source said.
According to another source, Talabani reassured the protesters, stating, “I support you, I have your memorandum, and your demands are legitimate.” However, he did not ask the strikers to end their protest.
The source added that those accompanying the deputy prime minister primarily inquired about his health. Talabani also mentioned that one of the protesters’ key demands—resolving the salary crisis—had been addressed for this year.
Shortly after expressing his support, Talabani left the protest site without further discussion.
The strikers, however, have strongly criticized the government for failing to meet their demands, particularly Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.
In a new move to escalate pressure on the KRG, teachers from Sulaymaniyah travelled to Erbil today, demanding action on their long-standing grievances.
Meanwhile, on the 13th day of the strike, teachers and public employees in Sulaymaniyah continue their protest despite freezing temperatures and snowfall. The demonstration, fueled by demands for overdue salaries and financial reforms, has intensified as some strikers refuse medical treatment in defiance of the government’s inaction.