Kurdish Political Entitlement dominated the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s message on Tuesday as the party renewed its claim to Iraq’s presidency. The PUK presented this position after Kurdish parties secured more than 50 seats in the recent parliamentary elections. The party also stressed that Kurdish unity remains essential as negotiations with Baghdad intensify.
The PUK spokesperson, Karwan Gaznay, addressed reporters during a press conference covered by Shafaq News. He said Iraq’s presidency forms a core part of the Kurdish political share. He also said the role represents both a constitutional allocation and a historical Kurdish Political Entitlement for the PUK. Moreover, he emphasized that the position reflects long-standing political understanding since 2003.
Gaznay explained the PUK’s approach to the next federal cabinet. He said the party works with allied forces on a wider political and economic program. Additionally, he urged Kurdish parties to coordinate their stance before engaging with Baghdad. He said unified action strengthens Kurdish demands and protects citizens’ rights.
He also urged renewed cooperation among Kurdish blocs. Furthermore, he called on leaders to confront Baghdad with a shared strategy that reinforces the Kurdistan Region’s position. He said this approach improves negotiation outcomes and addresses unresolved issues between Erbil and the federal government.
Gaznay also highlighted the party’s frustration with several federal decisions. He said the PUK wants a more assertive role in Baghdad to represent its voters and said the party intends to correct imbalances that previous governments created.
He then mentioned a recent meeting chaired by PUK leader Bafel Jalal Talabani. The meeting reviewed election results and discussed future participation in the next federal cabinet. According to Gaznay, the gathering confirmed the PUK’s goal to support a strong and service-oriented cabinet in the Kurdistan Region. However, the cabinet remains stalled because the PUK and the Kurdistan Democratic Party continue to disagree on key posts.
He said the PUK remains ready to resume talks with the KDP at any time. He insisted that mutual understanding serves the public interest and stabilizes politics inside the Kurdistan Region. Still, the disputes continue and delay crucial decisions in Erbil.
IHEC’s final results show Shiite parties with 187 seats, Sunni blocs with 77 seats, and Kurdish parties with 56 seats. The presidency traditionally goes to a Kurdish figure. Historically, the PUK held this office, though the KDP still contests that claim.
Inside the Kurdistan Region, power remains divided. The KDP controls the regional presidency and the premiership. The PUK holds the Iraqi presidency and the deputy premiership in Erbil. This balance, however, continues to shift as parties reassess strategies after the elections.
Ultimately, Gaznay said the PUK seeks productive negotiations that protect Kurdish Political Entitlement and strengthen Kurdish leverage in Baghdad.
