New Generation alliance with PUK still stands, Abdulwahid says

New Generation Won’t Join KRG Cabinet. KDP Must Recognize Our PUK-NGM Alliance First, Abdulwahid says

SULAIMANI,— Shaswar Abdulwahid, leader of the New Generation Movement (NGM) (Cûłanewey Newey Nwê), said his party’s alliance with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan remains active.

Speaking at a press conference, Abdulwahid said the alliance with the PUK does not include a discussion about his party taking part in the government.

“If we learn that negotiations are taking place over one or two ministries, be sure we are not part of them,” he said.

He added that the agreement focused on what he called a balanced government rather than a promise for NGM to enter the cabinet.

He said his movement does not have to hold a place in government, noting that the understanding reached with the PUK centered on creating a fair balance of power rather than guaranteeing his party seats in the cabinet.

Abdulwahid Slams ‘Fake Opposition’

Abdulwahid said he expects the PUK to remain committed to the agreement, and called on the PUK to clearly state that the alliance is seeking half of the Kurdistan Region’s government administration.

He also criticized what he called a “fake opposition,” saying some of its members want Masrour Barzani to serve again as prime minister. He said these people are linked to the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

Abdulwahid said opposition forces should not try to organize or restructure relations between the KDP and the PUK.

He said that as long as the KDP does not recognize the NGM-PUK alliance, any political group that meets separately with the KDP is only representing its own seats in parliament.

He said he told PUK officials not to meet with the KDP until the KDP recognizes the alliance between the two parties.

The PUK holds 23 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament, and New Generation holds 15, giving the alliance a combined 38 seats. The KDP holds 39 seats.

Abdulwahid said that if the KDP recognizes the alliance, the PUK would be able to negotiate with the KDP from the position of the alliance rather than alone.

The PUK and New Generation signed what they called a “Balance and Prosperity” agreement in July 2026, forming a joint bloc in parliament.

NGM spokesperson Himdad Shaheen said separately that the movement will not join the next cabinet and will remain in opposition, despite keeping its alliance with the PUK.

The KDP has said it reached a basic understanding with the PUK on several main issues, and that talks continue to settle remaining disagreements before parliament can resume work and a new cabinet can be formed.

The discussions are part of ongoing efforts to form the Kurdistan Region’s 10th cabinet, following the 2024 parliamentary election.

(With files from Channel8 | Awene)