Peregraf
Senior KDP official Hoshyar Zebari condemned Baghdad’s decision to halt salary payments to the Kurdistan Region, calling it a political move intended to “punish and starve” its citizens. “We do not live in a utopia, and our political history indicates that the aggressor will be punished,” Zebari said.
Al-Sudani Offers Conditional Salary Payments
Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani stated that the federal government is ready to directly deposit salaries—if KRG ministries submit payroll data to the Ministry of Finance. However, broader payments remain subject to a pending Federal Supreme Court decision.
Al-Sudani criticized the KRG for not handing over oil and customs revenues and alleged the existence of 22 unauthorized border crossings, complicating budget disbursement.
The Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) faction met with Sudani, who expressed legal limitations and dissatisfaction with KRG’s compliance. He said May salaries are unlikely to be paid before Eid al-Adha.
On June 1, Zebari has strongly criticized the Iraqi Ministry of Finance’s decision to halt salary payments to the Kurdistan Region, calling it a “political and programmed” move that will have serious repercussions.
Zebari made the remarks on Saturday via social media, warning that the federal government’s move—coming just weeks ahead of national elections—is not only unconstitutional but also deliberately aimed at creating instability in the Kurdistan Region.
“What is Mr. Al-Sudani’s and the ruling Coordination Framework's interest in exacerbating the crisis over regional salaries at this time?” Zebari asked. “There may be technical issues, but the Ministry of Finance’s decision is political and premeditated against the constitutional region par excellence, and it will undoubtedly have repercussions.”
The crisis escalated after the Iraqi Ministry of Finance announced on May 28 that the KRG had exceeded its 12.67% share of the federal budget and must now fully adopt the federal "Tawtin" electronic payroll system for any further transfers. Kurdish leaders argue that the requirement is politically motivated and undermines regional autonomy.
At an emergency summit on May 31, 43 Kurdish parties condemned the salary cuts as political pressure, warning of regional instability.
New KRG oil contracts with U.S. firms have sparked backlash from Shiite factions. Militia leader Qais al-Khazali accused the KRG of separatist ambitions and illegal exports.