Peregraf
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani expressed optimism over the potential formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) new cabinet, saying a "better understanding" has been reached with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) following high-level political talks (July 14).
"After the meeting of the two political bureaus of the KDP and PUK, there is a better understanding for the formation of the new cabinet, and we hope to form the new cabinet before the Iraqi parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11," Barzani said during a meeting with German Ambassador to Iraq Christian Hohmann on Sunday.
Addressing the broader issues between Erbil and Baghdad, Barzani reiterated the KDP’s position on the importance of constitutional principles.
"Returning to the principles of consensus, balance, and partnership is the best solution, and we want the constitution to be implemented," he stated. "We have not demanded anything more than the framework of the constitution, but we will not be satisfied with anything less than what the constitution has given to the people and the Kurdistan Region."
The KRG has remained in a political stalemate for more than nine months since the October 2024 regional elections. Despite an agreement on the government’s agenda, the KDP and PUK remain deadlocked over the distribution of ministerial and administrative posts. This deadlock has delayed the formation of the KRG’s tenth cabinet and paralyzed parliamentary functions.
In a June 25 press conference, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani—also the KDP's second deputy leader—confirmed the impasse. "We have reached an agreement on the government’s agenda and we have a common view with the PUK on how to run the government. But there are different opinions on the distribution of posts," he said.
The Prime Minister added that while the KDP has the strength to form a majority government, it prefers consensus. "We want the main parties to work together to avoid problems and tensions," he said.
Since the Kurdistan Parliament's first session on December 2, 2024, lawmakers have failed to elect a parliamentary presidency—an essential step in forming a government—due to the unresolved power-sharing dispute.
In the October elections, the KDP secured 39 out of 100 seats, emerging as the largest party. The PUK won 23 seats, while minority and smaller parties hold the remaining 38. A majority of 51 seats is needed to form a cabinet, making inter-party cooperation essential.
The KDP retains dominance in Erbil and Duhok, while the PUK controls Sulaymaniyah and Halabja. Historically, the two have shared governance, but their ongoing rivalry over top positions now threatens that arrangement.
Barzani’s remarks come amid international attention on the region’s stability and the need for functioning institutions ahead of Iraq’s national elections in November.