KRG spox calls out Qubad Talabani’s political rhetoric in Council of Ministers meeting

KRG spox. Peshawa Hawramani publicly questioned Deputy PM Qubad Talabani’s provocative Facebook slogan, sparking exchanges in the Council of Ministers.

KRG spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani (R) and Deputy PM Qubad Talabani (L) and the controversial post (C). (Photo: Kurdistan24)
KRG spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani (R) and Deputy PM Qubad Talabani (L) and the controversial post (C). (Photo: Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Friday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani shared details of an exchange that occurred during the latest Council of Ministers meeting, revealing exchanges between Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

The dispute began when Talabani updated his Facebook profile cover with a political slogan that read, "We will end authoritarian rule."

Hawramani, who was seated opposite Talabani during the Wednesday meeting, shared on his official social media account: “Mr. Qubad was sitting in front of me, and I noticed he had changed his profile cover. It read, ‘We will end authoritarian rule.’ I commented on his post, which has since gained significant attention.”

As the meeting drew to a close, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, with a smile, addressed the group: “Friends, are you suggesting that we, as an authoritarian authority, need to be changed?” He then added, “The only authoritarian power is in Sulaimani, and it will end soon. The authority here in the capital will continue, and no one can change it.”

Afterward, PM Barzani stood and bid farewell to the ministers. Hawramani noted that as the Prime Minister was leaving, Talabani muttered something under his breath: “Believe me, I didn’t catch what he said because he spoke so quietly,” Hawramani recounted.

The spokesperson also highlighted ongoing grievances raised by the Prime Minister during council meetings: “The Prime Minister has repeatedly voiced concerns over issues such as smuggling and border management. However, I’ve never heard a response from Sulaimani’s local authorities to address these matters.”

In response to Talabani's political slogan, Hawramani questioned its intent publicly: “Do you want to change the current government, or is there another government you are referring to?”

The incident occurred during a regular session of the KRG Council of Ministers on Wednesday, where Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani attended as part of the meeting.

Shortly after the session commenced, Talabani updated his Facebook cover photo with a hand symbolizing victory alongside the controversial slogan, which was seen as part of his election campaign.

Hawramani, in his reaction to the post, wrote: “Which authority are you referring to? The one we are currently part of, or is there another authority in question?”