Shiite, Sunni leaders pin hopes on President Barzani to fast-track Iraq government formation

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Accelerating the formation of Iraq’s federal government and resolving long-standing disputes between Baghdad and Erbil are at the forefront of President Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to the Iraqi capital, as Shiite and Sunni leaders express optimism that his efforts could prove decisive.

Political figures from both sides view the visit as a key opportunity to leverage President Barzani’s strong relationships in Baghdad to address issues that have remained unresolved through successive governments.

Hadi al-Amiri, leader of the pro-Iran Badr Organization told Rudaw on Monday that there is "consensus" among all Iraqi political parties to expedite the formation of the next federal government.

"There is consensus among all political forces on the need to expedite the formation of the government, as this is a demand that serves the Iraqi people.All political forces are determined to accelerate the formation of the government," Amiri said.

“Nechirvan Barzani has always played a role in paving the way for resolving Erbil-Baghdad issues,” said Azzam al-Hamdani of the Sunni Azm Alliance, describing the Kurdish president as consistently “part of the solution.”

The visit comes at a critical juncture, as negotiations to form a new cabinet intensify ahead of constitutional deadlines. On Saturday, Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi traveled to the Kurdistan Region, meeting senior Kurdish officials in Erbil and Sulaimani as part of his government formation efforts.

President Barzani is accompanied by senior officials, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and KRG Chief of Staff Fawzi Hariri, among others.

Aqeel Rudaini, spokesperson for the Nasr Coalition led by Haider al-Abadi, said Barzani’s visit builds on Zaidi’s recent trip to Erbil and could help accelerate cabinet formation.

“Nechirvan Barzani is known for resolving Erbil-Baghdad disputes,” Rudaini noted.

Barzani has already met with leaders of the Coordination Framework and is scheduled to hold talks with Sunni leaders later in the day.

“Nechirvan Barzani has deep experience. Having served as prime minister for many years and being well aware of the challenges between Erbil and Baghdad, he can play an important role in resolving them,” said Rahim Aboudi of the Hikma Movement.

Zaidi, tasked with forming a government on April 26, has 30 days under the constitution to present his cabinet to parliament for a confidence vote.

“Barzani’s strong ties with political leaders and state institutions position him to help speed up government formation,” said Abu Misaaq Massari.

Outstanding Erbil-Baghdad issues

President Barzani’s visit also comes amid persistent disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, including public sector salaries, the Peshmerga budget, the implementation of Article 140, and broader energy-related disagreements.

Lawmaker Yousef al-Kalabi of the State of Law Coalition, said the visit “could lay the groundwork for government formation,” expressing hope it would advance the broader political process.

Kalabi urged all political actors, particularly in the Kurdistan Region, to "prioritize national interests and reach agreements on key legislation, including the budget and oil and gas laws."

The urgency of forming a new government is heightened by ongoing economic pressures linked to regional tensions, particularly the fallout from conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has disrupted oil exports despite a ceasefire.

“Conditions are now more favorable for resolving disputes between Baghdad and Erbil due to the broader security situation and international pressure,” Hamdani of the Sunni Azm Alliance said.

Kurdish parties are expected to present their demands to the Coordination Framework as part of negotiations to join the next cabinet.

“The core issues remain unchanged - salaries, Article 140, and oil exports - and resolving them is essential for stability across Iraq, for both Kurds and Arabs,” he said.

President Barzani’s visit coincides with a period of significant regional upheaval, driven by escalating tensions involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq has been caught in the crossfire, with hundreds of drones and missiles launched by Iran and affiliated militias within its territory.

Hastyar Qadir contributed to this article.