KRG Financial Advisor criticizes Baghdad's delay in sending August salary supplement
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Hamlan, who previously served as the KRG's Minister of Finance and Economy, explained that the delay is causing significant hardships for Kurdish citizens.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Rebaz Hamlan, the Financial Advisor to the Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister, expressed frustration over Baghdad's continued delay in sending the August salary supplement to the Kurdistan Region.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Hamlan, who previously served as the KRG's Minister of Finance and Economy, explained that the delay is causing significant hardships for Kurdish citizens.
Hamlan highlighted that since the export of oil shifted under Baghdad's control, the salaries of the Kurdish people have been held up by decisions made in Baghdad. He attributed the delay to political agendas ahead of the upcoming elections, accusing the Iraqi government of "playing with the lives of the Kurdish people."
"The August salary should have been received earlier this month," Hamlan said. "We are still hopeful that the supplement will arrive soon, but the delay has raised concerns."
He explained that Baghdad's comments on the September audit are creating further obstacles. Baghdad is insisting that the February salary list should be used as the basis for current salary distribution, but Hamlan noted that salaries vary month-to-month due to promotions and allowances, particularly within the security ministries.
"The idea that the salary lists for different months could be the same is unrealistic," Hamlan emphasized. "Each month comes with its own changes in salaries, such as annual leave and promotions."
He also criticized Baghdad’s approach as an "excuse to delay people's salaries."
Despite ongoing discussions between the KRG's Ministry of Finance and the Iraqi government, Hamlan revealed that the delayed portion—amounting to 243 billion dinars—is a significant loss for the region.
Additionally, the Kurdistan Region is already sending 50% of its domestic revenue to Baghdad, leaving insufficient revenue to compensate for the shortfall.
Hamlan concluded by stating that the KRG is waiting for Baghdad to transfer the necessary funds. "It is impossible to begin salary distribution when some ministries would receive their pay and others would not," he underscored, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing salary disbursements amid the delay.