Peregraf
The ongoing delay in the distribution of December 2024 salaries for general employees in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has sparked renewed tensions between Erbil and Baghdad. Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami has stated that the salaries have been paid and handed over to the KRG, a claim that the regional government has repeatedly denied.
The dispute resurfaced after the Iraqi Finance Minister responded to a letter from MP Soran Omar, confirming that the funds were transferred to the KRG. However, with more than a week into March, February’s salaries have yet to be distributed, deepening frustrations among employees.
In her response, the Iraqi Finance Minister emphasized the importance of the earlier letter sent to the KRG, urging that the salary records be submitted as soon as possible in accordance with the procedures outlined by the Federal Court. The delay is seen as part of a broader issue concerning the transparency and management of financial transactions between the two governments.
MP Soran Omar, speaking to Peregraf, highlighted additional concerns regarding domestic revenue. He conveyed the Iraqi Ministry's dissatisfaction with the 51 billion dinars that the Kurdistan Region has returned to the Iraqi Ministry of Finance as domestic revenue for January, suggesting that the amount is insufficient and calling for greater accountability.
At the end of the letter, the Iraqi Ministry of Finance reiterated its demand that the KRG deposit oil revenues into their accounts, further intensifying the financial standoff between Erbil and Baghdad.
With salaries remaining unpaid and tensions escalating, public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region continue to bear the brunt of the political and financial disputes between the regional and federal governments.