KDP–PUK talks resume amid hopes of ending a year-long political deadlock
More than a year after the Kurdistan parliamentary elections, the formation of the tenth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) remains stalled, as political disagreements over the distribution of posts continue. However, renewed dialogue between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has raised expectations that the long-standing deadlock may soon be resolved.
Momentum returned to the process last week when a PUK delegation led by Qubad Talabani visited the KDP Political Bureau in Pirmam. Discussions during the meeting focused on several political issues, with the formation of the new KRG cabinet at the top of the agenda.
Following the visit, the KDP Central Committee convened under the leadership of Masoud Barzani to review the latest developments. In an official statement, the committee expressed regret that despite the political process beginning immediately after last year’s elections, key constitutional steps have yet to be completed. These include the reactivation of the Kurdistan Parliament, the election of a President of the Kurdistan Region, and the formation of the tenth cabinet.
According to the statement, once the election results were ratified, the KDP sent a special delegation to all political parties in an effort to form a broad-based government through dialogue. While some parties chose to join the opposition—a decision the KDP said it respects—talks with the PUK continued.
The KDP said it sought to reach an agreement before the Iraqi parliamentary elections, but accused the PUK of unnecessarily prolonging negotiations. The statement claimed this delay stemmed from “incorrect calculations” regarding the outcome of the federal elections, which postponed progress until after the November 11, 2025, vote for the Iraqi Council of Representatives.
The KDP noted that it had warned its partners that political conditions before and after the federal elections would differ. “The door to dialogue remains open,” the statement said, stressing that any agreement must be based on the results and entitlements of the Kurdistan parliamentary elections. “The votes and trust of the people of Kurdistan must be respected.”
The party also emphasized that it does not support linking the formation of the KRG cabinet to the formation of the Iraqi federal government. “The Regional Government must be formed first,” the statement said, “after which joint steps toward Baghdad can be taken.” In this context, the KDP confirmed that its negotiation delegation has officially resumed work.
While the KDP initially aimed to finalize the new government before the Iraqi elections, the lack of consensus among political parties has resulted in the two processes now unfolding in parallel. Observers say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether renewed talks can finally lead to the formation of the long-awaited tenth KRG cabinet.