The KRG Council of Ministers held its first meeting of 2026. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani chaired the session. The meeting focused on the Kurdistan Region’s financial situation and delayed salary payments.
According to an official KRG statement, the cabinet discussed financial planning for 2026. It also reviewed steps to secure salary payments and financial entitlements owed by Iraq’s federal Ministry of Finance. The KRG Council of Ministers stressed that resolving salary issues remains a top priority.
Minister of Finance and Economy Awat Sheikh Janab presented a detailed report. He outlined revenues and expenditures for the 2025 fiscal year. He also shared forecasts and preparations for the 2026 budget. The report highlighted ongoing gaps caused by delayed federal transfers.
The KRG Council of Ministers clearly demanded the release of salaries for November and December 2025. In addition, it called for payment of unpaid salaries from 2023 and 2024. The council said there is no legal or constitutional basis for withholding these payments. It emphasized that Kurdistan Region salaries are a lawful right of public employees.
The cabinet also addressed oil and budget obligations. Ministers confirmed that the Kurdistan Region has complied with the tripartite oil export agreement. Under this deal, the KRG delivered an average of 220,000 barrels of oil per day to SOMO. The oil was sold on international markets, and revenues were recorded in cash in the Federal Treasury’s monthly balance sheets.
Furthermore, the KRG Council of Ministers insisted that the next federal budget law must formally include the Kurdistan Region’s budget. It also stressed that the federal Ministry of Finance is constitutionally required to submit and recognize the region’s budget.
In another agenda item, the council reviewed progress on the trilateral oil export agreement implemented in late 2025. Minister of Natural Resources Kamal Mohammad presented data on export volumes and revenues. The cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to renewing the agreement.
Finally, the KRG Council of Ministers instructed its Baghdad negotiating team to establish a clear legal and financial framework. The goal is to protect the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional budget rights and ensure timely payment of Kurdistan Region salaries.
