French Consul: Forming a New Government Is Kurdistan Region’s Best Response to Challenges
“The people went to the polls freely. This in itself is a strong expression of civic engagement and democratic vitality,” said Yann Braem.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The French Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Yann Braem, reaffirmed France’s support for the democratic process in the region, emphasizing that the most effective path forward in confronting political, economic, and security challenges is through the swift formation of a new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Speaking to Kurdistan 24 during his visit to the 2025 Erbil International Book Fair, Braem highlighted the importance of Kurdish self-determination in shaping their political future. “It is up to the Kurdish people to decide when and how they will form their new government,” he stated.
Post-Election Stability Hinges on Government Formation
While commending the peaceful conduct of the recent parliamentary elections, the French diplomat underlined that the current period demands decisive action. “As President Masoud Barzani noted, the best way for the Kurdistan Region to face ongoing economic, security, and political challenges is to form a new government,” Braem asserted.
Braem reiterated France’s longstanding commitment to democratic development in the Kurdistan Region, noting that Paris had supported the parliamentary elections “from the very beginning.” He lauded the transparent and free participation of voters, calling it a significant political milestone for the region.
“The people went to the polls freely. This in itself is a strong expression of civic engagement and democratic vitality,” he added.
Erbil Book Fair: A Cultural Microcosm of Coexistence
The French Consul’s visit to the book fair also served as a cultural statement. He described the event as a powerful reflection of Kurdistan’s social pluralism. “This fair is not just a literary exhibition—it is a celebration of diversity. It brings together cultures, languages, and religions under one roof,” he said.
Braem praised the role of the French pavilion and the broader presence of French institutions at the fair, including the French Institute in Erbil and the Institut Français du Proche-Orient (IFPO), both of which promote language education, cinema, music, and historical research across the region.
