The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have reported "positive steps and good progress" in negotiations to form the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), according to a joint statement released on Tuesday.

The meeting, held in Pirmam, Erbil province, took place in a "friendly and positive atmosphere," with discussions focused on steps to establish the new cabinet. Both parties stated that talks will continue in the coming days.

The Kurdistan Region held long-delayed parliamentary elections in October 2023, with the KDP emerging as the largest party, winning 39 seats in the 100-member legislature, followed by the PUK with 23 seats. As no party secured a majority, a coalition government must be formed—a longstanding tradition in the region.

Despite the elections being held over five months ago, the KRG has yet to be formed. The parliament has convened only once since the October 20 vote, failing during its December 2 session to elect a speaker, deputy speaker, or secretary. Further sessions remain on hold pending an agreement between the KDP and PUK.

PUK Seeks Interior Ministry, KDP Insists on PM Post

Fadhil Basharati, a former Kurdistan parliament lawmaker and KDP member, revealed that the PUK has requested control of the interior ministry in the next cabinet.

"They [the PUK] have asked for the interior ministry, as far as I know," Basharati told Rudaw. However, he argued that, based on election results, the interior minister should belong to the winning party, while the prime minister's position is the KDP's right.

Last week, KDP leader Masoud Barzani urged both parties to expedite government formation and "finish the work as soon as possible."

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, a KDP deputy leader, stated on Tuesday that neither party intends to delay the process and expressed hope that negotiations would resume soon.

Optimism After Barzani-Talabani Meeting

In March, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (KDP) met with PUK leader Bafel Talabani in Erbil, with both sides describing discussions as "very good."

PUK spokesperson Saadi Ahmed Pira told Rudaw in late March that cabinet post distributions would be finalized after Eid al-Fitr (early April), noting that the two sides were "very close" to an agreement.

As talks continue, observers await a breakthrough to end the political deadlock and establish a functioning government in the Kurdistan Region.