Peregraf
Following the transfer of additional funds for the September salaries of employees in Kurdistan by the Iraqi Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Finance of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has reported a shortfall of 305 billion dinars for the distribution of these salaries, indicating that they are awaiting the supplementary funds to be dispatched.
In a statement released by the KRG Ministry of Finance on Monday, October 7, 2024, it was noted that over 329 billion dinars, designated for the salaries of security personnel for September, had been credited to the Ministry's bank account. Additionally, the Ministry has access to 361 billion dinars from previous allocations received from Baghdad, resulting in a total of 690 billion dinars available for September salaries.
The KRG Ministry of Finance expressed hope that the supplementary funds for September salaries would be provided by the federal Ministry of Finance promptly, enabling them to commence the direct distribution of salaries.
While the KRG highlights the deficit in September salaries, it is important to note that the Iraqi Ministry of Finance had previously sent 598 billion dinars for September salaries last week, in addition to the 329 billion dinars sent recently. However, the KRG utilized these funds to address the shortfall in August salaries for public servants and pensioners in Kurdistan. According to KRG Ministry of Finance officials, the deficit for August salaries was 243 billion dinars, while the current deficit for September stands at 305 billion dinars. It remains uncertain whether the Iraqi government will provide the 305 billion dinars, or if the KRG is anticipating the October salary disbursement from Baghdad to cover the September deficit. Nevertheless, media sources affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani have indicated that the September salaries are expected to be distributed prior to the Kurdistan parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20, 2024.