KDP-PUK Advance in Cabinet Talks, Other Parties Left Out
The two ruling parties have reportedly reached a consensus on most contentious points and are now moving towards the distribution of government positions.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – As the conclusion of Ramadan approaches, negotiations between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) regarding the formation of the tenth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) are set to enter a decisive stage. The two ruling parties have reportedly reached a consensus on most contentious points and are now moving towards the distribution of government positions.
KDP-PUK Negotiations Enter Final Stage
According to a high-ranking source familiar with the discussions, talks between the KDP and PUK have significantly advanced, with both sides reaching agreements on key issues. "The discussions have progressed to an advanced stage, and the two parties have resolved most of their differences. The next phase will focus on the distribution of government positions," the source told Kurdistan24.
Both parties are determined to expedite the process of forming the new cabinet and reconvening the Kurdistan Parliament as soon as possible. The source added, "Once the government positions are allocated, the two parties will nominate their candidates accordingly. However, it is not yet clear whether any ministers or officials from the ninth cabinet will be part of the new government."
Towards a Unified and Stable Governance Framework
A key objective of the KDP in the ongoing negotiations is to establish a unified political framework, ensuring a single parliament, a single government, and a unified Peshmerga force. The PUK shares the view that these principles are essential for building a stable and effective administration. Historically, the PUK maintained a dual approach—supporting the KRG’s policies through its representatives in the government while simultaneously allowing another faction to oppose those same policies from Sulaimani and Baghdad. In this new cabinet, the KDP is determined to eliminate this fragmented approach, advocating for a more cohesive and unified governance structure that strengthens the Kurdistan Region’s political stability and decision-making process. Both parties acknowledge that further discussions will help refine the details, but no major obstacles are preventing a final agreement.
Diplomatic Pressure to Expedite Government Formation
Following the October parliamentary elections, diplomatic missions in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq have repeatedly urged the KDP and PUK to accelerate the government formation process, emphasizing the need for political stability and institutional functionality. Western and regional envoys have privately and publicly expressed concerns over prolonged negotiations, warning that delays could impact governance, economic development, and international partnerships. Despite these calls, progress has remained slow during the past few months, with both parties focused on finalizing power-sharing arrangements before moving forward.
Exclusion of Other Political Parties Amid the Decline of Islamic and Opposition Groups
One of the most striking aspects of the ongoing negotiations is the complete absence of other political parties from the discussions. Despite Kurdistan’s multi-party-political landscape, the KDP and PUK appear to be the sole architects of the next government. This development signals a shift in the political dynamic, effectively sidelining other parties, including Islamic and opposition factions, which have played a role in past cabinets.
The exclusion of Islamic parties and other opposition groups from the government formation process highlights their diminished influence in Kurdistan’s political sphere. In previous governments, these parties secured cabinet positions, allowing them to influence decision-making processes. However, their declining electoral performance and internal fragmentation have weakened their bargaining power, leaving them without a seat at the negotiating table.
Streamlining Governance for Efficiency and Stability
With only the KDP and PUK leading the government formation process, the upcoming cabinet is expected to be more streamlined and efficient, ensuring quicker decision-making and a smoother legislative process.
Unlike previous cabinets that included multiple political parties, often leading to prolonged debates and internal conflicts, a two-party government will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and facilitate more cohesive governance.
This structure is also expected to enhance Kurdistan’s external relations with Baghdad and the international community, as a unified stance on key issues will replace the frequent political disagreements that previously hindered negotiations.
Additionally, in past cabinets, opposition parties often participated in the government primarily to secure positions for their members rather than fulfilling their electoral promises. As the term neared its end, many of these parties would resign under various pretexts, seeking to regain public trust ahead of the next elections.
By concentrating executive power within two key parties, the new government is expected to eliminate these inefficiencies, fostering a more stable and results-oriented administration.
Parliamentary Challenges and Delays
The formation of the new cabinet is directly tied to the resumption of the Kurdistan Parliament, which has been in a state of paralysis. Lawand Jalal, a parliamentary advisor, told Kurdistan24, "The parliament will not reconvene until the KDP and PUK finalize their government agreement." He further noted that no official date has been set for the parliamentary session to elect the presidency board.
During the first session of the newly elected parliament on December 2, 2025, candidates from various parties were nominated for leadership positions, yet no final agreement was reached. This political deadlock underscores the extent to which parliamentary functions are contingent upon the negotiations between the KDP and PUK.
Political Landscape Post-Elections
The Kurdistan parliamentary elections, held on October 20, 2024, saw the KDP securing 39 seats, while the PUK won 23 seats. Other political forces, such as the New Generation Movement (NGM), the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU), and independent candidates, secured smaller shares of parliamentary representation but have so far been excluded from government formation talks.
Given the ongoing discussions, the KDP and PUK are set to take the lead in shaping the new government, ensuring a more unified and efficient decision-making process. This approach is expected to enhance governance stability, streamline policy implementation, and facilitate smoother coordination on key issues, both internally and in relations with Baghdad and the international community. While opposition parties will play a crucial role in parliament, the formation of a focused executive branch is aimed at overcoming past challenges where broad coalitions often led to delays and inefficiencies in governance.
Looking Ahead
As Kurdistan moves toward finalizing the new government, the streamlined decision-making process led by the KDP and PUK is expected to bring greater political stability and efficiency. The coming weeks will clarify the structure of the new cabinet and how it will function to serve the region’s interests. This development reflects an evolving political landscape aimed at ensuring a more cohesive and effective governance model, prioritizing stability and progress for the Kurdistan Region.
