Kurdistan Accountants Syndicate Urges International Action Over Baghdad’s Salary Freeze
Kurdistan Accountants Syndicate condemns Iraq's halt of KRG salaries, violating agreements. Urges international action to protect civilians' rights amid Eid.
By Ahora Qadi
Erbil (Kurdistan24) – In a direct appeal to the international community, the Kurdistan Accountants and Auditors Syndicate on Wednesday issued a powerful message denouncing the Iraqi Federal Government’s latest move to halt the payment of public sector salaries in the Kurdistan Region, calling it a violation of constitutional agreements and a threat to civilian welfare.
In a letter dated June 5, 2025, addressed to the European Union Mission in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the United Nations offices in Erbil and Baghdad, foreign consulates, diplomatic missions, and international NGOs, the Syndicate criticized the Iraqi Federal Ministry of Finance for suspending salary transfers to employees of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) despite a binding agreement and court order ensuring uninterrupted disbursement.
“While the Kurdistan Region has fulfilled all its obligations toward Baghdad and has already shared all financial data with the Iraqi Board of Audit as well as its counterpart in the Kurdistan Region,” the statement reads, “the Iraqi Federal Ministry of Finance has once again halted the payment of salaries to KRG employees.”
Eid Overshadowed by Political Pressure
The salary freeze comes just days before the Eid al-Adha holiday, a time traditionally marked by celebration and family gatherings. Instead, the Syndicate warns that Baghdad’s decision is casting a shadow over the festivities, impacting thousands of families across the Kurdistan Region.
“At a time meant to bring joy and happiness to families, we reaffirm that the livelihoods of the people must not be used as a political pressure card,” the Syndicate emphasized, pointing out that even the Iraqi Supreme Federal Court has ruled that government salaries should not be entangled in political disputes.
Agreement Undermined by Baghdad’s Actions
The statement referenced a comprehensive financial agreement reached earlier this year between Erbil and Baghdad to guarantee KRG public sector salaries through 2025. However, the Syndicate argues that the Ministry of Finance’s issuance of Decision No. 14502 on May 28 has demonstrated a disregard for constitutional obligations—even those signed by the Federal Government itself.
“This is a reminder that even legal and constitutional agreements—those signed by the Federal Government itself—can no longer be trusted,” the statement warned, highlighting a deepening crisis of confidence in Iraq’s federal financial governance.
An Urgent Appeal to the International Community
In its closing, the Kurdistan Accountants and Auditors Syndicate called on the European Union, the United Nations, and all international diplomatic and humanitarian actors to take a clear and decisive stance.
“We urge all foreign diplomatic missions, consulate generals, NGOs, and the United Nations—who have consistently defended the rights of the people of Kurdistan—to take a clear stance and prevent any political pressure from the Federal Government of Iraq from coming at the expense of the people's livelihoods,” the message declared.