The parliament of the Kurdistan Region began its two-month summer recess on Wednesday. However, lawmakers have met only once since the October 2024 elections. Meanwhile, rival political parties remain unable to agree on the formation of the next government cabinet, leaving negotiations deadlocked over key leadership positions.
Omar Gulpi confirmed the schedule on Tuesday. Although he won a seat with the Kurdistan Justice Group, he has not yet taken his oath of office. He said the recess is in accordance with the parliament’s internal bylaws.
According to Gulpi, the legislature operates in two regular sessions each year. The first session runs from March through June, after which the summer recess begins in July. The second session starts in September and continues until the end of December.
In the October 2024 elections, voters elected a new 100-seat legislature. The Kurdistan Democratic Party won 39 seats, while the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan secured 23.
Neither party won an outright majority. As a result, the two sides entered lengthy negotiations to form a coalition government. However, disagreements over the cabinet’s structure have completely stalled the talks.
Because of the prolonged political deadlock, parliament has accomplished virtually nothing. Lawmakers convened only once, in December 2024, but failed to elect a speaker or deputy speakers during that session. They adjourned the meeting and have not reconvened since.
Last year, Gulpi filed a formal lawsuit against the parliament for failing to meet. He strongly criticized the ongoing paralysis, arguing that the inactive legislature does not represent the will of the Kurdish people.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has urged political leaders to reactivate parliament, describing it as the essential first step toward forming the tenth government cabinet. He also stressed that parliament belongs to the public, not to any particular political faction, and called on leaders to use the institution to resolve their differences.