PUK, New Generation sign political agreement, Iraqi Kurdistan

SULAIMANI,— The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the New Generation Movement (Cûłanewey Newey Nwê) signed a formal political agreement Thursday in the city of Sulaimani, aimed at reforming governance across Iraq’s Kurdistan Region and placing the needs of ordinary citizens above those of political elites and ruling families.

PUK leader Bafel Talabani and NGM head Shaswar Abdulwahid signed the pact, which the two parties named the “Balance and Prosperity Agreement.”

Both leaders called it a historic step and said it signals the beginning of a new political phase in the region, one that demands a different and more accountable approach to leadership.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Abdulwahid told the audience that the alliance was not formed against any party or individual.

He extended an open invitation to other political groups across the region to join the partnership, while criticizing those that have chosen to remain on the sidelines.

He argued that standing aside without taking a clear position amounts to a failure to act in the public interest, and that political parties carry an obligation to respond to the difficult conditions facing citizens.

Abdulwahid said the Kurdistan Region faces serious risks at this moment and warned it may not survive without immediate and decisive action.

He stressed that the current period demands independent decision-making and a firm political stance from every party operating in the region. He said that remaining neutral while the public faces hardship is not a responsible option for any political force.

On the question of how the region is governed, Abdulwahid said the long-standing practice of one party holding the prime ministerial post while simultaneously controlling all major government positions must come to an end.

He said the Kurdistan Region cannot continue to be run according to the interests and preferences of a single family, and must instead reflect the broader will of its population. He called the current arrangement unacceptable and said the people deserve a system that works for them.

He also revealed that both parties have agreed to work together on drafting a written constitution for the Kurdistan Region.

Bafel Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), right, with Shaswar Abdulwahid, leader of the New Generation Movement (Cûłanewey Newey Nwê) after signing a “historic” political agreement in Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan, July 2, 2026. Photo: iKurd.net/screengrab NRT TV video.

He said the goal is to establish a clear and binding legal framework for governance that would prevent the concentration of power in the hands of one group. He described this constitutional effort as one of the most important and strategic elements of the agreement between the two parties.

Abdulwahid said the time has now come to deliver on the promises both parties have made to citizens over the years. He emphasized that the needs and welfare of the people must take priority over the ambitions or interests of any political organization.

He personally thanked Talabani for the role he played in pushing the agreement forward and bringing it to completion. He declared that the era of corruption and governance through fear has come to a close.

Talabani addressed the crowd with similar themes, saying the PUK and the NGM share a common purpose: improving the quality of public services across the Kurdistan Region.

He said the persistent failures of government service delivery can no longer be tolerated and that citizens should expect visible change going forward.

He directed pointed criticism at the performance of the current Kurdistan Regional Government KRG, saying that administrations built on fear and corruption are not capable of lasting and will eventually collapse under the weight of those very problems.

He said the government has made numerous serious strategic errors since the period following the 2017 independence referendum and argued that throughout that difficult time, the PUK stood as the only political force capable of shielding citizens from major threats.

Talabani confirmed that the new alliance remains open to additional political partners, naming the Barzani-led Kurdistan Democratic Party as a potential future partner.

He set a clear condition, however, stating that any party seeking to join must first be willing to acknowledge the mistakes it has made in the past.

He added that political organizations exist for one reason, to serve the people, and not the other way around.

He closed his remarks with confidence, declaring that the alliance now stands as the strongest and most significant political force in the Kurdistan Region, in Iraq, and across all four parts of Kurdistan (Greater Kurdistan).

He also expressed gratitude to all who have worked to strengthen Kurdish unity and cooperation among political forces.

The full agreement is available in Kurdish through PUK-affiliated Channel8.