KRG to Seek Unity Among Kurdish Parties Ahead of First Iraqi Parliament Session
The Kurdistan Regional Government says it is making serious efforts to unite Kurdish political parties ahead of the first session of the Iraqi parliament. KRG office President Fawzi Hariri says most issues can be resolved through the constitution and a solution to forming the new cabinet will be reached soon.
PUK spokesman Karwan Gaznayi says the party will not compromise on its demands in negotiations with the PDK over forming the next Kurdistan Regional Government. He adds that recent talks were positive and helped pave the way for the next phase of negotiations.
More than 6,500 people migrated from the Kurdistan Region to Europe in 2025, according to official figures. Authorities report continued illegal migration and at least ten migrant deaths during the journey.
The Shiite Coordination Framework has reduced the list of candidates for Iraq’s prime minister to four, with a final decision expected soon. A member of the framework confirmed that Ahmed al-Assad remains the sole candidate discussed for the post of First Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
Mohammed Haji Mahmoud has called for replacing the Kurdistan Regional Government’s negotiating delegations in Baghdad, saying they have failed to defend the rights of the Kurdistan Region. He stressed that unifying Kurdish forces, reactivating parliament, and forming the tenth KRG cabinet are essential to achieving effective political and negotiating outcomes.
A member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Political Bureau said talks with the KDP were frank and generally positive despite differences in views. He stressed prioritizing public interest over narrow party considerations.
The Kurdistan Regional Government has agreed to raise the monthly salaries of political prisoners to match those in Iraq. The payments will increase from 500,000 dinars to 1.2 million dinars, pending cabinet approval.
Jamal Kochar says the Kurdistan Regional Government should transfer 120 billion dinars to Baghdad to secure October salary payments. He stressed that November and December salaries must not be delayed or carried over into 2026.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani says Iraq’s foreign cash reserves have exceeded $100 billion, while gold reserves have risen significantly. He added that the government is working to reduce reliance on oil revenues and strengthen non-oil income sources.
The governor of the Central Bank of Iraq says the country has made progress in stabilizing the economy and reducing inflation. He stressed the need to diversify revenues and reduce dependence on oil income.
The Minister of Education announced that teachers in Chamchamal will receive official recognition for their efforts during the floods. He said funds and supplies will be delivered to schools to support recovery efforts.
December 17 is observed annually as Kurdistan Flag Day, with activities held across the Kurdistan Region. The day is marked by events in schools and public institutions to honor the Kurdish flag.
Flights at Erbil International Airport have resumed after being suspended due to bad weather and heavy fog. Airport officials confirmed that operations returned to normal as weather conditions improved.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani has pledged to send the October salaries of Kurdistan Regional Government employees soon. The payment is still pending as the outgoing KRG government has not yet handed over the required funds to Baghdad.
A member of the Hikma Movement says negotiations between Shiite, Kurdish, and Sunni parties are progressing toward agreement on the distribution of ministerial posts. He added that discussions on the prime ministerial candidate have advanced, while talks on the presidency and speakership are still ongoing.
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) are scheduled to meet in Erbil today to continue talks on forming a new cabinet. The discussions are also expected to include agreement on a Kurdish candidate for the Iraqi presidency.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the launch of the peace process has helped end years of conflict in southeastern and eastern Anatolia. He stressed that parliament acted quickly to support the process and restore security and freedom of movement in the region.
Sunni political forces have narrowed the list of candidates for the post of speaker of parliament from six to three. Musanna Samarai, Mohammed Halbusi, and Sabt Mohammed Abbasi are the remaining contenders.
As public aid campaigns continue, Farooq Mullah Mustafa has announced a major financial donation to support affected families in Chamchamal. Citizens and private donors are stepping in as official assistance remains limited.
The Shiite Coordination Framework is set to hold a meeting today to decide on its nominee for prime minister. Competition reportedly remains limited to two main contenders despite ongoing internal differences.
The Kurdistan Regional Meteorological Agency has released the latest snowfall data across the region. Mount Safin and Mount Korak recorded the highest snowfall during the past 24 hours.
The Federal Supreme Court has officially approved the results of the Iraqi parliamentary elections. Following this, the president will summon parliament to convene within 15 days to begin forming the next government.
The National Political Council representing Sunni parties will hold a meeting to select a candidate for the next speaker of the Iraqi parliament. Discussions are ongoing, with parties reportedly close to reaching an agreement.
Successful new generation movement candidate Mizhda Mahmoud said the Iraqi government should compensate flood victims in Chamchamal without delay. She added that political parties are currently providing aid through charities.
Weather forecasts indicate that Sulaimanyah city center may experience snowfall and record low temperatures in early January 2026. A strong cold wave is expected to affect the Kurdistan Region during the first 10 days of the month.
The coordination framework is scheduled to hold a meeting on Monday to make a final decision on the next prime minister. Shiite political forces aim to form a new cabinet within the constitutional deadline.
A New Generation Movement MP said recent floods in Taq Taq have destroyed around a million fish and caused losses of approximately one billion dinars. The MP criticized officials for not visiting affected farmers.
The Federation of Civil Society Organization says political rivalry has undermined effective aid delivery to flood victims in Chamchamal. The group criticized what it described as uncoordinated and publicity-driven assistance efforts.
The Kurdistan Region’s Deputy Minister of Health said financial constraints have led to a shortage of medical supplies in Chamchamal hospitals. He confirmed that emergency supplies are being delivered with the support of pharmaceutical companies.
The UN envoy to Iraq said the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has successfully completed its work after more than two decades. He noted that only a few remaining files related to Kuwait are still being addressed.