KDP Security Forces Block Teachers from Entering Erbil Amid Salary Crisis Protests

09-02-2025 01:11

Peregraf

Security forces affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) have been preventing teachers from entering Erbil, stopping them even before they reach the first checkpoint under KDP control. The move comes as heavy security deployments have been made in the city to deter teachers and public sector employees from staging protests over the ongoing salary crisis and the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) failure to implement the Iraqi government's salary domicilization initiative, known as "Tawteen."

In response to the financial turmoil, educators and public employees from Sulaimaniyah and various other cities and towns have intensified their demonstrations by attempting to bring their protests to Erbil. Many of these demonstrators, coming from areas governed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), used buses to reach the United Nations headquarters in Erbil in an effort to draw international attention to their plight.

Omid Khoshnaw, the governor of Erbil and a senior KDP member, addressed the situation in a press conference, stating: “Erbil is known for its hospitality and welcomes its visitors. However, those who arrive under the banner of KRG employees and are, in reality, Arabs—while the Arab authorities in Baghdad are responsible for budget cuts—will not find a welcoming environment in Erbil today.” Khoshnaw's remarks reinforced the KRG's stance of deflecting responsibility for the salary crisis onto the federal government in Baghdad.

In a firm response to the expected arrival of protesting teachers and employees from Sulaimaniyah, Khoshnaw emphasized that the city “cannot stand to receive such unwanted guests today.” He further insisted that the ongoing financial hardships are a direct consequence of Baghdad’s decisions rather than the KRG's policies.

The protests have now entered their 13th consecutive day, continuing despite harsh weather conditions. Some demonstrators have reportedly refused medical treatment as an act of defiance against the government’s perceived inaction. Khoshnaw also criticized the protests, citing the lack of legal authorization and hinting at potential measures to curb further demonstrations.

The prolonged salary crisis has left thousands of teachers and public employees without pay for months, leading to mounting frustration and anger across the Kurdistan Region. While the KRG remains firm in its position, public outrage continues to grow, leaving the pressing question of whether the government will address the employees' demands or if tensions will escalate further in the coming days.