At a Glance

• PUK spokesperson Karwan Gaznay affirmed the party remains open to dialogue on government formation.
• Gaznay confirmed the PUK maintains a full commitment to its alliance with the New Generation Movement.
• He stressed that the party demands a balanced and comprehensive tenth cabinet.

Karwan Gaznay, the spokesperson for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), affirmed that the party remains "fully committed" to its alliance with the New Generation and keeps its doors open for dialogue regarding ongoing government formation talks.

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Key Statements and Focus Areas

• The PUK spokesperson emphasized that the party aims to "restore the balance of power" and will negotiate the formation of the next government based on the strategic weight of its political alliance with the New Generation Movement.
• He noted that the meeting addressed four key areas: "the high-level PUK delegation's visit to Tehran, the formation of the new KRG cabinet, internal structural changes within the party, and the PUK's strategic alliance with the New Generation Movement."

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Speaking at a press conference on Sunday following a Leadership Council meeting chaired by PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani, Gaznay stated that the party stands firmly by its election campaign promises.

He emphasized that structural changes remain ongoing across various PUK organs.

Gaznay stressed that the PUK advocates for the tenth cabinet to function as a balanced, equitable, and comprehensive government.

Regarding the recent meeting between Masrour Barzani and Qubad Talabani, Gaznay confirmed the talks, adding that the discussions were "positive," though government formation was not discussed at all.

Gaznay highlighted that the party shares an alliance with the New Generation Movement and is dedicated to its implementation.

He further underlined that if there are any new developments regarding government formation, they will announce them "clearly and transparently."

Addressing regional issues and the recent PUK president's visit to Iran, Gaznay noted that the party maintains "a legacy of strong relations" with neighboring countries, adding that these robust ties also extend to regional actors, Turkey, the United States, and European nations.

FYI

Nearly two years after the October 20, 2024 parliamentary elections, the 10th KRG cabinet remains unformed.

Official statements and speculation surrounding the formation of the tenth cabinet have gathered momentum in recent days, catalyzed by a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

The leader of the National Stance Movement remarked that both the KDP and PUK reached an agreement in which the positions of Prime Minister and the Kurdistan Region Presidency will remain with the KDP, asserting that no other party will be permitted to participate, in an indirect reference to the New Generation Movement.

The New Generation, holding 15 seats, officially announced that it will not participate in the next government under any circumstances and will remain in opposition.

However, the PUK spokesperson confirmed that no discussions have occurred regarding government formation or cabinet post allocations with the KDP.

Concurrently, New Generation leader Shaswar Abdulwahid affirmed that his political alliance with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan remains active, emphasizing that he expects the PUK to fully honor its commitment to their mutual agreement.