Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani urged full implementation of the Iraqi constitution to achieve lasting political and economic stability. Speaking at the Middle East Research Institute (MERI) Forum in Erbil, he called for stronger cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil, emphasizing that true progress depends on constitutional compliance. This message placed Iraq constitution implementation at the center of his remarks, highlighting its importance for national unity.
President Barzani described Iraq’s political structure as increasingly centralized, warning that this strong centralism limits the Kurdistan Region’s role in governance. However, he also reaffirmed that Baghdad remains the Kurdistan Region’s strategic depth and main partner. He said that both sides must work toward genuine agreements to ensure a balanced partnership that respects constitutional principles.
He also addressed Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections, calling them a new beginning for the nation’s democratic process. Barzani encouraged Kurdish participation, explaining that greater involvement in Baghdad strengthens the Kurdistan Region’s influence in shaping Iraq’s future. He stated that Iraq constitution implementation ensures fair power-sharing and creates the foundation for political stability across the country.
Discussing the Kurdistan Region’s own elections, Barzani praised recent progress between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). He noted that the two parties finalized a joint document outlining their shared vision for Iraq’s political future and their approach toward the federal government. He added that cooperation between Kurdish parties remains essential for achieving internal stability and effective governance.
Barzani also spoke about the unresolved public sector salary issue, urging the federal government to implement the constitution fully after the elections and address financial challenges in the Kurdistan Region. He stressed that fair economic treatment depends on consistent Iraq constitution implementation, which guarantees equitable resource distribution.
The MERI Forum gathered senior Iraqi officials, diplomats, and researchers to discuss Iraq’s ongoing political and economic transformation. President Barzani’s remarks reflected his continued call for dialogue, cooperation, and a shared national vision rooted in constitutional integrity.