National Political Council Affirms Readiness to Attend Confidence Vote Session for New Government

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  Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj  , Sulaimani, Iraq, 05 May , 2026   — The National Political Council affirmed its readiness to attend the parliamentary session to grant confidence to the new government during a meeting with a delegation from the Coordination Framework. According to a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), “leaders of the National Political Council received a delegation from the Coordination Framework at the headquarters of Speaker of Parliament Haibat Al-Halbousi, where both sides stressed the importance of expediting the formation of the government.” The statement added that the meeting discussed key political, economic, and security challenges facing Iraq, as well as accumulated issues, emphasizing the need to develop visions and solutions to be incorporated into the government program and the political agreement document, in a way that meets citizens’ aspirations and enhances stability. It noted that the council’s leaders confirmed their readines...
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Kurdish Power Play in Baghdad: Barzani and Talabani Converge as Iraq’s Cabinet Battle Intensifies



Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj , Sulaimani, Iraq, 04 May , 2026  —  As Iraq races toward a new government, rival Kurdish factions arrive in Baghdad to negotiate influence, portfolios, and the future balance of power within the state.

As Iraq inches toward forming its next federal government, two of the most influential Kurdish leaders—Nechirvan Barzani and Bafel Talabani—have arrived in Baghdad in a coordinated push that underscores the central role of Kurdish politics in shaping the country’s future. Their presence signals more than routine consultation. It reflects a high-stakes negotiation over power, representation, and unresolved structural disputes that have long defined relations between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region.

With Ali al-Zaidi racing against constitutional deadlines, the Kurdish position may prove decisive in determining whether Iraq achieves political stability—or slips back into gridlock.

From Erbil to Baghdad: The Second Phase of Negotiations

The arrival of Barzani and Talabani follows Zaidi’s recent outreach to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, where he sought Kurdish backing for his cabinet. That outreach marked the first phase. The current meetings in Baghdad represent the second—and more critical—stage: translating political goodwill into concrete agreements on ministries, policy priorities, and power-sharing arrangements. The Iraqi parliament is expected to convene soon to vote on the new cabinet, adding urgency to negotiations that are already constrained by political rivalries and competing demands.

The Kurdish Share: Ministries and Influence

At the heart of the discussions lies a familiar but contentious issue: the Kurdish سهم in the federal government. Preliminary understandings suggest that Kurdish parties will secure:

  • Four ministerial portfolios
  • One deputy prime minister position

But behind these numbers lies intense bargaining. The Kurdistan Democratic Party is expected to push for:

  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (a strategic, sovereign portfolio)
  • The Ministry of Reconstruction
  • The Kurdish deputy prime minister position

Meanwhile, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan is likely to secure:

  • The Ministry of Justice
  • The Ministry of Environment

Smaller factions, including New Generation, are also seeking representation, with discussions underway to allocate at least one ministry to emerging political actors. But these arrangements remain fluid—subject to last-minute deals and shifting alliances.

Internal Kurdish Rivalries: Unity or Competition?

While Kurdish leaders often present a unified front in Baghdad, internal divisions remain a defining feature of their political landscape. The KDP and PUK—historically dominant forces—continue to compete for influence, not just in the Kurdistan Region but also within federal institutions.

The inclusion of smaller parties such as Halwest Movement and Kurdistan Islamic Group adds another layer of complexity. These groups, holding a combined bloc of parliamentary seats, are actively lobbying for ministerial or advisory positions.

This fragmentation raises a critical question: Can Kurdish parties coordinate effectively enough to maximize their leverage in Baghdad, or will internal competition weaken their negotiating position?

The Strategic Importance of the Deputy Prime Minister Post

One of the most contested issues is the allocation of the deputy prime minister role. Unlike ministerial portfolios tied to specific sectors, this position carries symbolic and strategic weight—offering influence across multiple policy domains. Current proposals suggest a distribution of deputy prime ministers along communal lines:

  • Two for Shiite factions
  • One for Sunni arabs
  • One for the Kurds

For Kurdish parties, securing this role is not just about representation—it is about ensuring a voice at the highest levels of executive decision-making.

Beyond Positions: The Core Kurdish Demands

While ministries dominate headlines, Kurdish leaders are equally focused on long-standing structural issues that have repeatedly stalled previous governments.

1. Salary and Financial Disputes

Tensions over budget transfers and public sector salaries remain unresolved. These disputes directly impact millions of citizens in the Kurdistan Region and are a central condition for Kurdish participation in any cabinet.

2. Oil and Gas Law

Despite being mandated by Iraq’s constitution, a comprehensive hydrocarbons law has yet to be passed. Such legislation would define:

  • Authority over natural resources
  • Revenue-sharing mechanisms
  • Export rights

For the Kurds, clarity on these issues is essential to securing economic autonomy within a federal framework.

3. Disputed Territories

The implementation of Article 140 remains unfinished. This issue—covering areas like Kirkuk—has been a persistent source of tension between Erbil and Baghdad, with multiple governments failing to deliver a lasting solution.

A Race Against Time

Zaidi faces a narrow window to present his cabinet to parliament—reportedly aiming for a vote before the upcoming Eid al-Adha. This timeline increases pressure on all parties, particularly Kurdish factions, to finalize agreements quickly. But speed comes with risks. Rushed deals may secure short-term formation but leave deeper disputes unresolved—setting the stage for future crises.

The Regional Context: Why This Government Matters

Iraq’s internal negotiations are unfolding against a backdrop of regional instability. Tensions involving Iran, the United States, and broader geopolitical rivalries are placing additional pressure on Baghdad to form a stable and functional government. For Kurdish leaders, this context presents both risks and opportunities:

  • Risks of being caught between competing regional powers
  • Opportunities to position themselves as stabilizing actors within Iraq

Barzani’s diplomatic approach and Talabani’s political networks reflect two complementary strategies aimed at navigating this complex environment.

The Illusion of Agreement?

Despite optimistic signals, there are indications that not all reported agreements are finalized. Claims regarding:

  • Exact ministerial allocations
  • Party shares
  • Deputy prime minister assignments

may still be subject to negotiation—or even deliberate political messaging aimed at shaping expectations. In Iraq’s political system, preliminary deals often unravel before formal approval, making caution essential in interpreting early reports.

The Stakes for Iraq’s Future

The outcome of these negotiations will shape more than just the composition of a cabinet. It will determine:

  • The balance of power between federal and regional authorities
  • The future of Kurdish participation in the Iraqi state
  • The government’s ability to address economic and security challenges

A government that fails to resolve key disputes risks repeating the cycle of dysfunction that has plagued Iraq for years.

The Bottom Line

The simultaneous arrival of Nechirvan Barzani and Bafel Talabani in Baghdad is no coincidence—it is a coordinated move at a critical moment. Together, they represent both the strength and the complexity of Kurdish politics:

  • A unified demand for rights and representation
  • A competitive struggle for influence and power

As Iraq approaches another political deadline, one reality stands out: The path to a new government runs through Kurdish consensus. Whether that consensus can be achieved—internally and nationally—will determine whether Iraq moves forward or remains trapped in political uncertainty.

#IraqPolitics #Kurdistan #Barzani #Talabani #Baghdad #GovernmentFormation #Geopolitics #MiddleEast #KDP #PUK

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