Shaswar Abdulwahid Qadir Meets Bafel Talabani

“We want to change this way of governance and reform the system of governance,” Shaswar Abdulwahid said during a joint press conference.

Shaswar Abdulwahid Qadir, leader of the New Generation Movement, and Bafel Talabani, leader of the PUK, held a joint press conference following their meeting. Shaswar Abdulwahid stated, “We have not asked for any political or personal gains. This agreement is aimed at better governance, not at opposing anyone.”

He added, “If our agreement with the PUK succeeds, we will restore the balance of power, and the KDP will not be able to rule the region alone until the end.”

Shaswar Abdulwahid emphasized that, except for two years, the government has almost always been in the hands of the KDP. He noted that the prime ministership and seven key positions—among the most important posts in the region’s governance—have been controlled by the KDP.

“We want to change this method of governance and reform the governing system,” he said.

“If we all—especially the PUK and the KDP—do not cooperate, we may lose everything we have,” he warned.

For his part, Bafel Talabani said, “I welcome the initiative of Shaswar Abdulwahid. This effort is not meant to oppose anyone, but to improve the living conditions of the people.”

He added, “We will visit all political parties. Those who choose not to join this agreement are effectively willing to remain in the current situation.”

He concluded by saying, “We have no agreement with the KDP