President Masoud Barzani is set to oversee upcoming talks between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The meetings aim to break the political deadlock and form the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Additionally, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani met as heads of the KDP and PUK delegations. They discussed forming the tenth KRG cabinet. A KDP Central Committee source described the meeting as “positive” with signs of rapprochement.
Therefore, the political bureaus of the KDP and PUK are scheduled to meet on Monday and Tuesday. President Barzani will oversee these high-level sessions. In the coming days, he is also expected to host PUK leader Bafel Talabani in Pirmam for further discussions.
The formation of the new cabinet has been delayed due to disagreements over the structure and distribution of posts. Negotiations are also underway regarding Iraq’s presidency, traditionally held by a PUK-backed Kurd.
Iraq held parliamentary elections in early November 2025. Under the informal power-sharing system, the speakership goes to Sunni Arabs, the premiership to Shiite parties, and the presidency to Kurds. Nineteen candidates are running for the presidency, including outgoing Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, the KDP nominee, and Nizar Amedi, the PUK candidate.
President Barzani has played a central role in bridging differences between the KDP and PUK. His mediation is seen as key to finalizing government formation and ensuring political stability in the Kurdistan Region.