PUK Will Not Allow Repeat of Past Authoritarianism in Next Cabinet

Reports 05:03 PM - 2024-11-04

PUK's logo.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) seeks to terminate the legacy of authoritarian governance that previously served only the interests of a specific party. It advocates for a national government in the Kurdistan Region that is equitable and accountable to its citizens, ensuring no discrimination among cities or the PUK itself. The PUK spokesperson stated: "We are open to establishing a common government regarding responsibilities and entitlements." 

Furthermore, PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani stated during his meeting with  Alina Romanowski, the US Ambassador to Iraq, in Dabashan, Sulaymaniyah: "This new phase of the Kurdistan Region will not accommodate authoritarianism and self-imposition. The previous exploitation of governmental institutions for partisan and personal gain is over and the government should no longer function just to serve the interests of a specific political party. This government is constituted by people and must serve the people. Any outside attempt will be unsuccessful, and the PUK will not allow it."

Our door to dialogue is open

Regarding the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), PUK Spokesperson Saadi Ahmed Pire stated recently: "Anyone attempting to establish a government unilaterally will face defeat. We have already said that the government has shortcomings, operating in an authoritarian manner and exhibiting self-imposition. This does not constitute hostility with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), as we are competitors, not enemies. We have an issue with the governance in the Kurdistan Region, which we believe requires resolution."

Pire further stated: "People are dissatisfied with the government's previous performance. A significant number of voters have cast their votes and are anticipating the formation of the government. In turn, we are open to dialogue. One party cannot insist that the government had no issues while claiming that people have been defamatory of it.  We need to meet to address the challenges and establish an effective government and parliament."

"The KDP has exhibited some sort of softness on the matter, whereas the PUK remains open to dialogue as a fundamental principle and seeks to establish a government in which participants in the government share duties and rights," he added.

 

A new cabinet cannot be designed on 50+1

Latif Nerwayi, the Head of PUK's Media Board, stated: "This time, the situation regarding the formation of the new government in the Kurdistan Region is different, as no party can secure the 50+1 percentage needed to delineate the government on its own and subsequently invite other parties to join and approve its programme."

He added: "The results of the recent elections for the Kurdistan Parliament have provoked significant changes, leading analysts and those concerned to consider various scenarios and expectations about the Region's future governance and the formation of the tenth cabinet of the KRG."

The PUK wants a service government

Mala Karim Shuker, a member of the PUK Leadership Council, told PUKMEDIA: "It is time to serve the people and the government cannot continue like the previous cabinet. The PUK rejects previous policies and seeks a government that serves the people in the next cabinet."

He added: "The voting results indicate that no single party can independently establish the next government in the Kurdistan Region; partnership among parties is needed. The PUK, a major player in the region, seeks to alter the government's performance."

Shuker stated: "PUK wants a government devoid of discrimination, self-imposition, and personal decisions, which is also the demand of the Kurdistan people."

The PUK is progressing towards establishing a government with a novel strategy and aims to avoid a recurrence of past authoritarian governance. Thus, the PUK's endeavours to establish a national government accountable to their citizens. This is also the demand of people and must be thoroughly represented in the next cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

 

PUKMEDIA