KDP leader Masoud Barzani has issued a sharp rebuke of Baghdad’s latest policies regarding Kurdish public sector salaries.
Speaking in Erbil, Barzani called the situation “unacceptable” and warned of rising frustration in the Region.
He made the remarks during a party meeting on Thursday, directly confronting Baghdad’s treatment of Kurdish civil servants.
Barzani accused Iraq’s federal government of abandoning constitutional principles and federalism altogether.
“This behavior disrespects Kurdish history and the sacrifices of our martyrs,” Barzani declared.
He insisted that the Kurdish salary dispute with Baghdad is about dignity, not just paychecks.
Barzani criticized what he sees as a centralist mindset taking root in Baghdad.
“If Iraq rejects federalism, it should declare so publicly,” he challenged.
Although Baghdad resumed payments recently, Barzani said officials are twisting the issue into a narrative about financial entitlement.
“This struggle was never only about salaries,” he said.
Reducing it to that, he added, insults decades of resistance.
He noted that since 2003, the Kurdistan Region always approached Baghdad with honesty and hope.
Despite challenges, the KDP leader called for continued dialogue and mutual respect.
Barzani emphasized that even without Kurdish representation, Baghdad must honor its obligations.
The Kurdish salary dispute with Baghdad is eroding public trust and deepening regional tensions.
Financial pressure began in 2014, when Baghdad halted Erbil’s budget share.
In response, the KRG began exporting oil independently to fund its payroll.
However, oil prices collapsed, and war with ISIS battered the economy.
These factors led to widespread delays in paying Kurdish civil servants.
Tensions escalated again after March 2023, when Kurdish oil exports were suspended.
This followed a court ruling against Turkey for violating a 1973 pipeline agreement.
Now, ongoing talks between Baghdad, Erbil, and international oil firms remain unresolved.
The main sticking points include payment guarantees, federal control, and Kurdish economic rights.
Barzani’s statement reinforces the gravity of the Kurdish salary dispute with Baghdad, highlighting the need for political clarity and fiscal justice.