A high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) reached Baghdad to deliver its official response to Iraq’s salary crisis proposal. This move marks a fresh step in the long-running Iraq–Kurdistan salary crisis, which has deeply affected public-sector employees in the Region.
Officials confirmed that the KRG responded to Baghdad’s latest plan for resolving budget and wage disputes. Their reply signals a willingness to enter structured talks on ensuring regular salary payments for Kurdistan-based civil servants.
Negotiations now center around key technical issues. Both sides must agree on a clear mechanism that guarantees uninterrupted wage disbursement. The Iraq–Kurdistan salary crisis, which strained relations for months, could soon enter a resolution phase if current discussions lead to action.
The KRG wants Baghdad to approve an arrangement that respects the rights of Kurdistan’s workforce. Meanwhile, Iraqi officials insist on strict compliance with oil export rules and revenue transfers through the state-run SOMO company. Federal authorities also demand full transparency in the handling of oil income.
Kurdish leaders maintain they already fulfilled their responsibilities. They argue that Baghdad delayed payments despite previous agreements. This contradiction lies at the heart of the Iraq–Kurdistan salary crisis, according to senior KRG figures.
The latest talks gained momentum after top leaders pushed for a lawful and cooperative solution. President Nechirvan Barzani urged both sides to avoid political interference in salary distribution. Similarly, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani stressed the need to treat salary disbursement as a national duty.
Cabinet insiders expect the Council of Ministers to review and potentially approve the plan soon. A vote might happen during the next cabinet session, depending on how negotiations proceed this week.
Recent delays in public-sector salaries affected tens of thousands of government employees across the Kurdistan Region. The crisis also sparked protests and warnings about declining trust between Erbil and Baghdad.
Despite earlier disagreements, both governments now seem ready to prioritize stability and shared responsibility. They agree that regular salary transfers require a lasting, lawful, and practical framework.
More meetings are scheduled in the coming days. These talks will likely shape the final terms of the new arrangement and determine the future of Baghdad–Erbil financial relations.