Qubad Talabani: Successful Government Cannot Be Formed Without PUK

Kurdistan 01:39 PM - 2025-11-23

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region.

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, reaffirmed that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has held discussions with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on the formation of the new government and will continue talks. He reiterated that the post of President of the Republic of Iraq is a right of the Kurds, emphasising that the next federal cabinet must decisively address the issues of oil and public-sector salaries. He further stressed that a stable and effective government in Baghdad cannot be formed without the participation of the PUK.

The Iraqi Presidency Is the Right of the Kurds

Speaking at a press conference, Deputy PM Talabani said: “As the PUK, we have been in dialogue with our KDP brothers up until the heat of the election campaign began, and we now stand ready to resume discussions on forming the next cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). At the same time, we need comprehensive dialogue to help shape the new Iraqi government. All parties must participate so that the government can serve the people effectively. It is clear that Kurdish parties in Iraq regard the presidency as a right of the Kurds.”

Oil and Salary Issues Must Be Resolved Fundamentally

Addressing the long-standing disputes over oil revenues and the salaries of public employees in the Kurdistan Region, Deputy PM Talabani stated: “Iraq possesses immense economic and human potential and is capable of achieving a significant international standing. Unfortunately, it has not yet reached its rightful place. We hope that this will be achieved through agreements among all parties. The next Iraqi cabinet must fundamentally resolve the issues of oil and salaries, and the Oil and Gas Law must be among its top priorities. As the PUK in the Iraqi parliament, we are working diligently towards this.”

On developments in Sulaymaniyah, he added that services had not ceased during the past period and that investors continue to arrive and expand their projects—attributed to the city’s secure and stable environment.

A Successful Government Cannot Be Formed Without the PUK

Regarding the KRG, Deputy PM Talabani said: “We have not discussed forming a broad-based government, but we are confident that no successful cabinet can be established without the participation of the PUK.”

Rebwar Taha Has the Right to Continue Serving as Governor of Kirkuk

Responding to questions about the governorship of Kirkuk, he said: “Rebwar Taha has been a successful governor for all the communities of Kirkuk, and successful individuals have the right to remain in their posts.”



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