Reopening of Kurdistan Parliament marks a step toward respecting voters’ will, serving Kurdistan’s interests
and ending political deadlock.
President Masoud Barzani has welcomed the reopening of the Kurdistan Parliament after nearly two years of political deadlock, describing it as an important step toward protecting the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional institutions, strengthening democracy, and respecting the will of the people.
His message came as the United States reaffirmed its support for a strong and resilient Kurdistan Region, while Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called for political cooperation and national unity.
On Wednesday, November 4, the Kurdistan Parliament resumed its activities with 52 lawmakers attending a session that elected new parliamentary leadership, ending a prolonged institutional deadlock following the October 2024 elections.
President Barzani: Parliament must serve all Kurdistan
President Masoud Barzani congratulated the people of Kurdistan, the newly elected parliamentary leadership, and all political parties, praising lawmakers who helped restore the legislative institution.
“On the occasion of the reactivation of the Kurdistan Parliament, I congratulate the people of Kurdistan, the parliament’s leadership, and all political parties,” he said.
President Barzani expressed appreciation to the lawmakers who participated in the session, describing their decision as a demonstration of legal and national responsibility.
“Fortunately, after two years since the Kurdistan Region’s elections, we have been able to reactivate the Kurdistan Parliament. I thank all the lawmakers who took a stand, fulfilled their legal and national responsibilities, and helped reactivate this constitutional institution,” he said.
The President emphasized that restoring parliament’s activities was a national achievement intended to protect the Kurdistan Region rather than serve the interests of any particular political party.
“Reactivating parliament is a step toward protecting and strengthening the Kurdistan Region. It is not against any person or political party, and it will certainly serve the higher interests of the people of Kurdistan and the political process,” President Barzani stated.
His remarks highlighted the importance of keeping Kurdistan’s constitutional institutions functioning despite political disagreements, particularly at a time when the Region faces challenges involving its political stability and constitutional rights.
President Barzani also called on parties that boycotted the session to reconsider their positions and participate in future parliamentary activities.
“Now that parliament has resumed its work, I call on all respected political parties that did not participate in this process to join it. Let us work together to serve the people of Kurdistan and support the next steps of the political process,” he said.
His message reflected an inclusive approach, emphasizing that parliament belongs to all the people of Kurdistan and should provide a common platform for political cooperation and resolving disagreements.
Washington reaffirms support for strong Kurdistan Region
The United States also reaffirmed its commitment to the Kurdistan Region, describing it as an important part of Washington’s broader relationship with Iraq.
A US State Department spokesperson announced that Washington continued to support the Kurdistan Region and encouraged political parties to strengthen its institutions.
“The United States supports a strong and resilient Iraqi Kurdistan Region, which remains a key pillar of the broader US-Iraq relationship,” the spokesperson said.
The statement came amid political developments surrounding parliament’s reopening and continuing disagreements over the formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government.
Washington encouraged all parties to work constructively toward strengthening regional institutions.
“We encourage all parties to work quickly and constructively on issues that will strengthen the region’s institutions,” the spokesperson said.
The State Department also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to its partners throughout Iraq.
“The United States remains committed to our partners across Iraq who are working to build a truly sovereign, stable, and prosperous country,” the spokesperson added.
KR President Nechirvan Barzani calls for dialogue inside parliament
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed parliament’s reopening and urged political parties to resolve their disagreements through democratic institutions.
“I welcome the reactivation of the Kurdistan Parliament. Parliament is the highest institution representing the will of all the people of Kurdistan. All political parties should actively participate in its work and resolve their disagreements and differences there with a sense of national responsibility,” he said.
KR President Nechirvan Barzani expressed hope that the development would help overcome the political deadlock and improve relations among the Region’s political parties.
“I hope this step will help overcome the current political deadlock and create a better environment for greater understanding and cooperation among all political parties,” he stated.
He stressed that protecting political stability and constitutional institutions was a shared national responsibility.
“I reaffirm that dialogue, agreement, and cooperation among all political parties are essential to overcoming differences and addressing challenges. Political stability and the protection of the Kurdistan Region’s institutions are shared responsibilities that belong to everyone,” he said.
KRG PM Masrour Barzani: A victory for voters
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomed the parliamentary breakthrough, describing it as a victory for the people’s will and a commitment to democratic principles.
He congratulated the newly elected parliamentary leadership and praised lawmakers who worked to restore the institution’s activities.
“Your decision today honors the blood of the martyrs and truly reflects the will of the voters. It is also a step toward ensuring that the will of the people of Kurdistan prevails,” Barzani said.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of respecting election results and ensuring that constitutional institutions continue serving the people.
He encouraged other lawmakers to attend future parliamentary sessions and fulfill their national, legal, and moral responsibilities.
“I call on all political parties to come forward so that, together and through cooperation, we can better serve our people and homeland and protect our constitutional achievements,” he said.
Parliament elects leadership with support from different parties
During Wednesday’s session, Vala Farid, a KDP lawmaker, was elected Speaker of Parliament with all 52 votes. Rami Nouri, a Christian representative, became Deputy Speaker, while Mona Qahwachi, a Turkmen representative, was elected Secretary. Both also received 52 votes.
The session brought together lawmakers from different political backgrounds, including independent members and representatives of minority communities.
Three lawmakers elected on the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) list and three from the New Generation Movement participated despite their parties’ boycott.
Hardi Salah, who announced his departure from the PUK, said his participation reflected his personal conviction that keeping parliament inactive threatened the Kurdistan Region.
“Keeping the Kurdistan Parliament inactive poses a serious threat to the Kurdistan Region. That is why I proudly attended today’s session to reactivate parliament,” Salah said.
Nishtiman Nawprdan, another lawmaker elected on the PUK list, said she attended to protect the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional status.
Shvan Saeed, who announced his departure from New Generation, also participated as an independent lawmaker.
The participation of these lawmakers helped parliament secure the required majority despite opposition from their former parliamentary blocs.
Other parties welcome parliament’s return
The Kurdistan Social Democratic Party supported the reactivation of parliament, describing it as an important step toward serving citizens and defending the Region’s constitutional rights.
The party called on all lawmakers to participate in parliamentary sessions and emphasized the need to challenge decisions by Baghdad’s courts that it considers unconstitutional and harmful to the Kurdistan Region.
The Christian Alliance also welcomed the development, describing it as an important national achievement that would strengthen democratic institutions and protect citizens’ rights.
It urged political parties to accelerate the formation of a new government based on genuine partnership and fair representation.
The alliance also called for reforms to minority quota seats, proposing that Christian representatives be elected exclusively by Christian voters to ensure genuine representation of their communities.
Despite some political disagreements, the election of parliamentary leadership established a pathway toward restoring legislative and oversight activities and advancing the formation of the next KRG cabinet.
Newly elected Speaker Vala Farid called on all parliamentary blocs to join future sessions and submit candidates for parliamentary committees, particularly the Legal Affairs Committee.
The reopening of parliament represents an important opportunity to move beyond political deadlock and strengthen the Kurdistan Region’s institutions.
With President Masoud Barzani calling for unity, the United States reaffirming its support for a strong Kurdistan Region, and leaders from different political backgrounds encouraging cooperation, attention now turns to translating the parliamentary breakthrough into lasting political stability and effective governance.
The Kurdish Globe