‘Baghdad Fears Kurdistan’s Economic Strength,’ Says PRK Secretary
Bapir Kamala of the PRK accused Baghdad of deliberately blocking Kurdistan’s economic progress by withholding salaries, calling the move political. He urged Kurdish unity, warning that Iraq views Kurdish development as a threat to federal control.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Bapir Kamala, secretary of the Kurdistan Workers’ and Laborers’ Party (PRK), has reiterated concerns that the Iraqi federal government is intentionally obstructing the Kurdistan Region’s economic development out of fear of its growing strength. Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Sunday, Kamala stressed the need for Kurdish unity in the face of Baghdad’s continued financial pressure.
Kamala criticized the recent decision by Iraq’s Ministry of Finance to suspend the Kurdistan Region’s public sector salaries, particularly ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday, calling the move “political rather than administrative or economic.”
“The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has met all of its obligations under the Federal Budget Law to ensure monthly salary disbursements,” Kamala stated. “It is Baghdad, not Erbil, that has failed to adhere to the law and budget agreements. There is no guarantee that the federal government will honor any future deal.”
He called on all Kurdish blocs in the Iraqi Parliament to unite and reject internal divisions. “This issue concerns all Kurds, not just specific parties or factions,” he maintained.
Referring to Iraq’s political history, Kamala argued that successive federal governments have long imposed economic restrictions on the Kurdistan Region to prevent its progress. “Baghdad views the Region’s economic growth as a threat,” he said. “They fear that if Kurdistan achieves economic independence, it will lead to greater political autonomy.”
Citing both Iraq’s constitution and the rulings of the Federal Supreme Court, Kamala underlined that salaries for public employees in the Kurdistan Region must be distributed monthly, just as they are in other Iraqi provinces, regardless of political disputes.
“Unfortunately, as has often been the case, the federal government continues to ignore its legal and constitutional commitments,” he concluded.