KRG Council of Ministers discuss Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers. Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani was also in attendance.

In the first item, Kamal Mohammad Salih, the Minister of Electricity, presented a comprehensive report on the current state of electricity services in the Kurdistan Region during the summer season and the Ministry's efforts to enhance these services. He highlighted the Ministry's strategic plans and programs under the ninth cabinet aimed at increasing electricity production.

The Cabinet referred the Ministry of Electricity's proposals to the relevant ministries and authorities for necessary action.

Moreover, the Council of Ministers approved a proposal from the Minister of Electricity concerning a previous decision to reduce accumulated electricity bills for citizens by 20%. This discount rate will remain in effect until July 31.

The second item featured a report by Pshtiwan Sadq, the Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs, on the organization of this year's Hajj pilgrimage and the measures taken by the Ministry. He reported that the number of pilgrims from the Kurdistan Region was 4,685. The Minister also mentioned the accompaniment of a health team from the KRG to safeguard the pilgrims' health, along with financial support allocated by the KRG.

Further discussions in the meeting addressed Kurdistan Region civil servant salaries and the mechanisms for fulfilling obligations to the Iraqi government.

Awat Janab Noori, the Minister of Finance and Economy, along with members of the KRG’s negotiating delegation, provided updates on these issues. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the challenges related to salary payments in the Kurdistan Region and instructed all ministries to continue submitting salary lists and monthly financial reviews to the joint audit team.

Finally, the Council of Ministers voted to hold the Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections on October 20 and welcomed the regional decree formalizing this date.