Kurdish leaders call for unity in New Year messages

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish leaders in the Kurdistan Region on Wednesday delivered New Year messages, emphasizing the importance of unity and tolerance among political parties and communities.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani called for “a fresh start marked by unity, tolerance, and solidarity among all political forces and communities.”

“Let us use the arrival of the New Year as an opportunity to begin a new chapter, setting aside our differences and embracing a spirit of unity, tolerance, and collaboration,” President Barzani said.

He emphasized that the Kurdistan Region’s strength is “rooted in mutual acceptance, coexistence, and cooperation, which are essential to safeguarding our achievements and protecting our constitutional rights.”

Looking ahead to 2026, President Barzani expressed hope for “fundamental solutions to our challenges, grounded in the constitution and built on genuine partnership.”

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani highlighted the need to form the tenth cabinet in his New Year message.

“We hope that a new KRG cabinet will soon be established, a process that has regrettably faced delays so far,” Prime Minister Barzani said.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the two ruling parties of the Kurdistan Region, remain divided over party shares in the next cabinet, stalling government formation more than 14 months after the Region's parliamentary elections. So far, there is no sign of when the two sides might reach a deal to establish the cabinet.

The prime minister praised his cabinet’s achievements over the past year, including “ensuring 24-hour electricity, addressing water scarcity, building roads, and strengthening the financial and banking infrastructure.”

President Masoud Barzani of the KDP and Bafel Talabani, leader of the PUK extended their New Year greetings to the public.

“On the occasion of the New Year, I extend my warmest congratulations to the families of our martyrs and heroic Peshmerga, to all religious and ethnic groups, and to the people of Kurdistan,” President Barzani said, expressing hope that the new year brings “goodness, happiness, and prosperity for Kurdistan, Iraq, and the entire world.”

Talabani similarly wished for “greater prosperity, progress, and stability for our country” in the year ahead.