Masrour Barzani nominated as Iraqi Kurdistan’s next PM: KDP

ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan region,— Masrour Barzani has been nominated for another term as Prime Minister in the upcoming Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet, a senior official from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) confirmed on Tuesday.

Ashwaq Jaff, a member of the KDP’s Central Committee, told NRT television that Barzani has been chosen as the KDP’s candidate for the post in the upcoming tenth cabinet. Discussions are ongoing with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) regarding the distribution of ministerial posts and forming the new administration.

Jaff said both parties are working on finalizing a formal agreement and aim to conclude negotiations in the near future. She added that a joint meeting is planned to move the process forward and that the Kurdistan Parliament is expected to reconvene after the cabinet structure is finalized.

In February 2025, Dilshad Shahab, spokesperson for the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, stated that Nechirvan Barzani, the current President should continue in his role for another term.

The Barzani family has maintained significant political influence in the region for decades, with members occupying top leadership positions.

Critics have accused the Barzani family of nepotism, focusing on consolidating power and economic resources rather than advancing public welfare.

In the October 2024 parliamentary elections, the KDP emerged as the largest party, securing 39 seats, while the rival PUK followed with 32. However, nearly six months after the elections, the Kurdish parties have yet to finalize an agreement on the formation of the new cabinet.

Massoud Barzani, the influential leader of the KDP and tribal figurehead, is widely regarded by analysts as the central force behind the scenes, guiding the direction of political negotiations. His son, Masrour Barzani, currently serves as the region’s Prime Minister, while his nephew, Nechirvan Barzani, holds the presidency of Kurdistan.