PM Barzani Accuses Federal Government of Unconstitutional Salary Cuts

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, during the opening ceremony of Visit Kurdistan initiative, stated that federal government officials have "unjustly, illegally, and unconstitutionally" decided to cut funding for public sector salaries in the Kurdistan Region. 

“With God’s support and the resilience of the Kurdish people, we have overcome many difficult circumstances in recent years. We assure our people that we will never give up our constitutional rights, regardless of the pressure,” the premier said.

Prime Minister Barzani also emphasized that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has fully complied with its constitutional obligations and expects reciprocal respect from Baghdad.

“Unfortunately, the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people are ignored. Even the agreements signed with the federal government are not being honored,” he stated.

The Prime Minister stressed that Iraq is a federal state and that the Kurdistan Region is a constitutionally recognized entity within that framework.

“Baghdad must realize that the Kurdistan Region is a legal entity. We must be treated accordingly. The continued denial of our rights and demands has led only to instability and damage across Iraq,” he said, warning that "the policy of starving the Kurdish people is harmful and must end.”

Barzani reiterated his government’s commitment to dialogue and a peaceful resolution. “We will continue to work toward resolving this crisis and remain hopeful that we can reach a solution that serves the interests of all parties.”