PUK Political Relations Enter New Phase Under Bafel Talabani's Leadership, Says Senior Official

P.U.K 03:45 PM - 2026-07-07

Sarkawt Zaki, a member of the Political Bureau.

Sarkawt Zaki, a member of the Political Bureau and head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan's (PUK) Sulaymaniyah and Chamchamal organisations, has said the party's political ties at the Kurdish, Iraqi and international levels have entered a new and more advanced phase since 2021 under the leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani.

He stressed that the PUK's key condition for joining the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is the formation of a genuine national partnership government that places the interests of citizens at the centre of its agenda.

Overcoming the Challenges of the Post-Mam Jalal Period

Speaking to Dengi Geli Kurdistan Radio, Zaki reflected on the party's recent history, saying the PUK faced considerable political and organisational challenges between 2014 and 2021 following the death of President Mam Jalal Talabani and the budget disputes with Iraq's federal government.

He said these developments resulted in political stagnation and weakened many of the party's relationships, affecting both the PUK and the wider political process in the Kurdistan Region.

According to Zaki, the party's leadership that emerged after the 2021 elections built on Mam Jalal's political legacy and worked to rebuild and strengthen those relationships. As a result, he said, the PUK now maintains strong and constructive ties with most Iraqi political parties and forces.

Role in Iraq's Political Process

Zaki credited the progress made over the past five years to the leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, saying the PUK has played a pivotal role in Iraq's political developments.

He said the party helped prevent the establishment of a majority government under the former tripartite alliance, contributed to restoring parliamentary activity, and played a leading role in the creation of the State Administration Alliance, which brought together Iraq's principal political forces under a single framework.

Partnership Key to Forming the Next KRG

Addressing negotiations over the formation of the next KRG cabinet, Zaki said the PUK has a clear political vision centred on genuine partnership and meaningful reform.

"The PUK does not seek a secondary or symbolic role in government," he said. "We want to be a full and effective partner capable of reshaping the government's programme and strategy in a way that serves the public interest. Our priority is to ensure the government delivers services and responds to the aspirations of the people."

Agreement with New Generation

Zaki also welcomed the recent agreement between the PUK and the New Generation Movement, describing it as a serious step aimed at strengthening both the political process and the interests of the people.

He said President Bafel Jalal Talabani and New Generation leader Shaswar Abdulwahid had made it clear that the agreement was not directed against any political party and remained open to others wishing to join.

"It is in our collective interest to present a stronger and more united voice in Baghdad and beyond the Kurdistan Region," he said.

Concluding his remarks, Zaki referred to a statement by President Bafel Talabani, saying that when the will of nearly six million Kurds in Iraq is united through their political representatives, no force can stand against it. He stressed that unity and political cohesion remain essential to achieving the Kurdish people's aspirations.


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