Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), met with Shaswar Abdulwahid of the New Generation Movement to discuss his proposal, government formation, and the reactivation of parliament. Talabani announced an agreement to unite their parliamentary factions, while Abdulwahid stressed the urgent need for reforms and called for a government led by a prime minister outside of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

The meeting coincides with Abdulwahid's press conference last Thursday, his first since his release from prison in August. During the conference, he challenged the PUK and other parties, stating that if their goal is to pass a budget law, establish a balance of power, promote good governance, and reactivate parliament, his movement has a comprehensive project to support these objectives.

He stated that with 15 seats, his movement could form a major coalition with other parties capable of establishing a new cabinet.

Shortly after the press, Talabani responded, noting that his demands are the same as those of the PUK.  

Talabani on Past Talks with KDP Regarding Cabinet Formation

Speaking alongside Abdulwahid at a press conference following the meeting, Talabani said, “We will answer the questions of journalists with 38 seats.”

He remarked that, initially, there were differing perspectives regarding the movement’s proposal on government formation.

Talabani emphasized that he believed that the Kurdish Democratic Party at the time “wanted to reach an agreement and form a government.”

Coalition Agreement Between PUK and New Generation

The PUK president announced that the party made a deal with the movement to work together in the parliament.

“We want to expand our agreement,” he said, mentioning that they will visit other parties as well to discuss the agreement.

PUK Denies Agreement with KDP

He rejected that the PUK has an agreement with the KDP; however, he added that they want to reach an agreement with the KDP as well and form a government.

Abdulwahid Urges Governance Reform, Seeks Non-KDP Prime Minister

Meanwhile, Shaswar Abdulwahid criticized the governance of the Kurdistan Region, describing it as “bad,” and highlighted that the objective of the agreement is to change the way of governance and improve the situation of the people.

Abdulwahid stressed that the movement wants the prime minister to be appointed outside the KDP this time, adding the party has holds most of the key government positions.

“Whoever does not join the agreement means that he is satisfied with the rule of the KDP,” he added.

Dispute Over Senior Positions Delays Cabinet Formation

The PUK and KDP, holding the majority in 2024, have not reached an agreement on forming the tenth government cabinet after several meetings since then, mainly due to disputes over senior positions despite prior agreement on the governance system.