MERI Forum 2024

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani emphasizes significance of election, improved relations with Baghdad

ERBIL – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani highlighted the importance of the Oct. 20 parliamentary elections for the Kurdistan Region, noting their role in reaffirming the legitimacy of government institutions. Speaking at the MERI Forum organized by the Middle East Research Institute in Erbil, Barzani discussed the impact of the elections on governance, economic progress, and relations with Baghdad.

“The Kurdistan parliamentary elections were an important step to restore legitimacy to all government institutions and positions of power in the region,” Barzani said. Initially scheduled for 2022, the elections were delayed amid calls for changes to the electoral system. Barzani pointed to the 72% voter turnout as evidence of the Kurdish people’s commitment to democracy. “This participation is a clear indication that the Kurdistan people are conscious and believe in democracy, voting for the party they trust,” he added.

Barzani urged all political parties to respect the election outcome, regardless of criticism. “As we are now waiting the final results of the elections, I hope that all parties accept it, as it was a very good election,” he said.

Reflecting on governance, Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s dedication to stability and prosperity, emphasizing that all government participants should prioritize the public’s interest. “As the winning party of the elections, the KDP will be true to its messages of coexistence, peace, prosperity, and resistance,” Barzani stated. “Anyone who participates in the government must respond to the wishes of the people.”

Barzani noted economic improvements under the ninth cabinet, citing an increase in economic growth from 1.8% to 8% in recent years. He also addressed measures taken to address critical water and electricity shortages in the region. “Some of these projects are nearing completion, while others still need work,” he said, stressing his party would lead a people-centered approach to government policies.

Regarding economic policy, Barzani explained efforts to reduce monopolies and open the market to broader participation. He noted that in a competitive free-market environment, experienced and well-resourced companies naturally perform better. “We will pass any laws necessary to prevent monopolies,” Barzani assured.

Turning to the issue of corruption, Barzani outlined ongoing anti-corruption initiatives, describing them as requiring consistent effort and collaboration across all levels of government. “No political faction should stand against the anti-corruption project,” he said. “The government alone cannot achieve this; all authorities must unite to ensure corruption has no place.”

On the topic of Peshmerga forces, Barzani addressed recent efforts by the ninth cabinet to unify the forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. “The Peshmerga is the pride of all of Kurdistan. Anyone who has ever served as a Peshmerga and defended the country and the dignity of the Kurdish people is proud,” he said.

Discussing relations with Baghdad, Barzani described the relationship as positive, noting that many previous ‘misunderstandings’ had been resolved. He expressed optimism for equitable treatment of Kurdish citizens within the federal budget and highlighted the improved cooperation with Baghdad’s current administration. “This should be the basis for building relationships with any party in the federal government,” he said, emphasizing partnership, balance, and compromise as core principles for agreements with Iraq’s federal government.

Barzani concluded by reaffirming the constitution as the foundation for the Kurdistan Region’s relations with Baghdad, describing it as a guiding framework for resolving issues and fostering cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s central government.