ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region’s top officials and politicians on Tuesday hoped for the swift formation of Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) new cabinet in their New Year messages.
“As we usher in the New Year of 2025, I wish to express my warmest congratulations to the people of Kurdistan, especially to the esteemed families of the fallen heroes, the courageous Peshmergas, the security forces, and all the diverse communities of Kurdistan. I also convey my best wishes to the people of Iraq and the world. It is my sincere hope that the coming year brings peace, stability, development, and joy to all,” Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said in a statement.
“In 2024, significant regional transformations took place, with political and security challenges impacting the overall circumstances across the region. These changes necessitate a heightened level of introspection and the reinforcement of our internal unity to effectively address the threats to security and stability while also capitalizing on emerging opportunities,” he added.
The Kurdistan Region held parliamentary elections in October but the political parties have yet to reach an agreement on the formation of a new cabinet. The ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have met at least twice to discuss the process. They will meet again in the coming days.
President Barzani called for unity and the swift formation of the new cabinet.
“I stress the necessity of expediting the establishment of the new cabinet for the Kurdistan Regional Government,” he noted.
KDP leader Masoud Barzani echoed President Barzani’s call.
“Through this election, the people of Kurdistan clearly expressed their message and will. Therefore, it is imperative that these voices and demands are met by swiftly forming the tenth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government, enabling it to implement plans and programs that serve the people of Kurdistan,” the KDP president said in a statement.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani wished a happy New Year to the Kurdish people.
“Happy New Year to all Kurds. I thank the resistance and patience of the patriotic and oppressed people of Kurdistan. I hope the new year will be a year of peace, tranquility, and prosperity,” he wrote.
The elections resulted in a consolidation of power for the KDP which won 39 seats, followed by the PUK with 23. The opposition New Generation Movement (NGM) took third place with 15 seats.
No single party won a majority in the parliament so a governing coalition will have to be formed, as has historically been the case. The KDP and PUK, while rivals, also share power in government.
