Masrour Barzani: The Leader, Diplomat, Reformer, and Man of Hardship in Iraq.

Since assuming the position of Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in July 2019, Masrour Barzani has prioritized a series of reforms and initiatives that are designed to enhance public services, digitalize the economy, and diversify the economy. Let's dive into this progress: -

Regarding financial and economic reforms, Barzani's administration has prioritized diversifying the KRG's economy, which has been heavily dependent on oil and gas revenues.  The government has encouraged investment in various sectors, including agriculture, tourism, and industry.

Moreover, the government has overseen the construction of dams and the licensing of new factories in the Kurdistan Region to enhance water security and support agricultural development.  During his tenure, many big and small dams were completed to serve the national water supply.

Nevertheless, the KRG has prioritized the modernization of its financial systems and administration.  This encompasses:

Through initiatives such as the issuance of digital identities for citizens and an online business registration system, the government has been working toward the establishment of an entirely digital government. The MyAccount Initiative is an initiative that aims to upgrade efficiency and reduce corruption by digitizing the salaries of public sector employees within the government.

However, the KRG has collaborated with international partners such as the World Bank to advance transparency in the oil and gas sector and has implemented reforms to improve public financial accountability and fiscal strategy.

On the other hand, the KRG has endeavored to enhance the provision of electricity to its citizens, to ensure a continuous electricity supply throughout the region.

 It is known that the government has implemented measures to combat climate change and environmental concerns, such as the enforcement of environmental regulations for businesses and the prohibition of illicit oil refineries.

 It is clear that Barzani's government continues to participate in talks and discussions with the Iraqi federal government to resolve outstanding issues, especially those related to the financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region and the export of oil.

In this regard, the government has implemented a reform and unification initiative for the Peshmerga forces to professionalize them and establish a non-partisan security force. In addition to that, Barzani has been actively engaged in international diplomacy, attending global forums and meeting with foreign officials to fortify the KRG's relations and entice foreign investment.

On the construction level of the KRG has initiated multiple road projects to enhance connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion. Crucial projects comprise a 120-meter highway near Erbil, a 2.5-kilometer Pirman Tunnel, and the Spilk-Khalifan route.  By late 2024, more than 1,400 kilometers of roads were paved, and 585 infrastructure projects were finalized.

The KRG government has prioritized water security through the construction of dams and the implementation of water transmission projects. Moreover, the Erbil Rapid Water Transmission Project, designed to mitigate water shortages for the next 30 years, was projected to be 50% complete.

A primary objective has been to diversify the economy beyond oil. The government has authorized 977 factories with a budget of $1.1 billion, resulting in the creation of 15,245 jobs.  Agricultural initiatives have resulted in heightened production, aiming to establish the region as a net exporter of specific commodities, like rice.  The economic recovery rate rose from 1.8% to 8%.

Thus, the administration has commenced initiatives in the healthcare and education sectors.  It has established the cornerstone for the largest cancer treatment facility in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and has erected 629 new educational classrooms.

One of the significant projects at the national level in Iraq and the first of its kind since 1991 was the "Runaki" (Light) Project, which aims to deliver round-the-clock electricity throughout the region.  By late 2024, almost 100,000 energy consumers in Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok had reaped the benefits of the project, aiming to deliver uninterrupted electricity to all provinces by the conclusion of 2026.

It is widely recognized that the Prime Minister of KRG, MR. Masrour Barzani has been engaged in a series of internal and external struggles in recent years to demonstrate to the world that the Kurdish people are entitled to the same rights, life, and prosperity as other nations. He has confronted these challenges without fear, demonstrating to the world that his nation deserves more in collaboration with other loyal members of his cabinet. Consequently, he is deserving of the title of "man of the hardships." We are confident that the next cabinet under his leadership will bring light and hope to his nation. 

By Wissam Massify

Master's degree in international law and diplomacy – UKH

15-8-2025

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance of Kurdistan24 English.