Two major Iraqi Kurdish parties formalise alliance

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the opposition New Generation Movement (NGM) have formally signed a political alliance aimed at helping form a new Kurdistan Regional Government and end months of political deadlock following the 2024 parliamentary elections.

The agreement was signed on July 2 by PUK leader Bafel Talabani and NGM leader Shaswar Abdulwahid in Sulaimani. Talabani also invited other political parties to join the alliance, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

"Our agreement with the PUK is not against any party, and its main goal is only to serve the people," Abdulwahid said during the signing ceremony.

Abdulwahid dismissed claims that he was pressured into the deal while in prison, saying he had wanted to reach an agreement with the PUK earlier.

The alliance comes as the Kurdistan Region remains without a new government more than eight months after the October 2024 elections. 

Both the PUK and NGM have indicated that their partnership is intended to revive the Kurdistan parliament and accelerate the formation of a new regional cabinet.

By Sabina Mammadli