CurrentReport Blog A significant political and financial rift has emerged in Iraq, with President Abdul Latif Rashid filing a lawsuit against Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani over unpaid salaries for civil servants in the Kurdistan region. The lawsuit, submitted to Iraq’s top court last month but only announced on Sunday by Rashid’s adviser, Hawri Tawfiq, highlights the ongoing tensions between Iraq’s central government in Baghdad and the autonomous Kurdistan region.
The lawsuit, targeting Sudani and Finance Minister Taif Sami, seeks an order to ensure the continued payment of salaries for Kurdistan’s public sector workers. Despite Baghdad’s financial disputes with Arbil, the regional capital, Rashid’s legal action aims to prevent interruptions to the much-needed salary payments for public servants in the Kurdish region.
The Fallout from Delayed Payments
The dispute has sparked frustration and protests across the Kurdish region. While public sector workers in Iraq received their January salaries, many are still waiting for their December pay. Reports indicate that protests erupted in Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan’s second-largest city and President Rashid’s hometown, following the delay in payments. On Sunday, hundreds of protesters gathered in Sulaimaniyah, demanding immediate action. However, local police in Arbil responded by dispersing crowds with tear gas.
Political Tensions and Financial Crisis
Iraq’s public sector has long been plagued by inefficiency and corruption, leading to concerns over financial stability. Analysts note that Prime Minister Sudani and President Rashid have had a strained relationship for some time, contributing to the tension surrounding this latest legal action.
Kurdistan’s regional president, Nechirvan Barzani, has publicly acknowledged Sudani’s cooperation on financial matters, including efforts to resolve the salary disputes. However, the continued delays and legal actions indicate deepening divisions between Iraq’s central government and the Kurdish authorities.
As protests continue and legal battles unfold, the issue of unpaid salaries remains at the heart of the political crisis in Iraq. With both leaders facing pressure from their respective constituencies, the resolution of this dispute is likely to have wide-reaching implications for Iraq’s future stability and governance
