The Kurdistan Region has announced its categorical rejection of the proposed federal budget share, set at 12.67%, demanding an increase to 14%. The Region affirmed that this percentage is the truly deserved share, based on the results of the latest
population census conducted by Baghdad. This stance was conveyed by the Spokesperson for the Regional Government, Peshawa Hawrami, during a press conference held today, Wednesday, September 16, 2026, following a cabinet meeting. The Council of Ministers meeting, chaired by Prime Minister
Masrour Barzani and attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, emphasized the importance of guaranteeing and protecting the salaries of the Region's employees within the framework of the federal general budget. The attendees underscored the necessity of completely separating these
employees' financial entitlements from any political disputes or tensions that may arise between Erbil and Baghdad, aiming to ensure their financial stability. In a related context regarding the organization of salary payments, the official spokesperson stated that the "My Account" financial
project has brought about a significant transformation. Currently, over one million employees and pensioners in the Region receive their dues through banks and digital transactions. He clarified that this development has completely eliminated the issue of long queues and tedious
waiting times at disbursement points, thereby facilitating the salary collection process.
