Barzani says Baghdad delegation to visit Erbil for salary talks, slams ‘illegal’ withholding of payments

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said Wednesday that a delegation of senior officials from Baghdad will visit Erbil for talks on public employee salaries, amid an ongoing dispute over budget transfers from the federal government.

Speaking at a press conference following a cabinet meeting, Barzani said the visiting officials would have decision-making authority and that discussions would focus on resolving the months-long standoff over salary payments.

“This year, for two months, the salaries of Kurdistan Region employees are being withheld illegally,” he said. Barzani also noted that Baghdad had failed to send three months of salaries in 2023 and two months so far in 2024.

Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad escalated in May after the federal Finance Ministry halted salary disbursements, accusing the Kurdistan Regional Government of exceeding its budget share and failing to provide verified oil and non-oil revenue data. The ministry claimed the KRG had surpassed its allocated 2025 budget by more than 19 trillion dinars. Kurdish officials have denied the accusations, saying they have met all constitutional obligations.

Barzani reiterated his government’s willingness to engage in dialogue. “We will continue dialogue with Baghdad and will never close the door to talks,” he said.

With June drawing to a close, public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region have not yet received their May salaries. The ongoing delays have added to the financial strain faced by government workers.

Barzani said the Kurdistan Regional Government remains committed to securing its financial entitlements under the constitution. “Baghdad does not belong to one side, and we must all be equal in this country,” he said.

He acknowledged the growing pressure on the KRG’s finances and said that if local revenues were sufficient, salaries would have been paid without waiting for Baghdad. “If we do not reach an agreement with Baghdad, the situation will be difficult,” he warned.

“Halting the salaries of the people of Kurdistan is an unconstitutional act,” Barzani added. “Even if there is a disagreement between the federal and regional governments on any matter, that should not be used to interfere with the salaries of public employees.”