The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is eager to assist young people who have innovative ideas and want to become self-employed, signaling a continued expansion of these efforts in the future.
In a lively town hall meeting on Friday, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani engaged with residents of Duhok province, addressing their concerns and outlining government initiatives aimed at boosting agriculture, job creation, and economic development. The session allowed citizens to voice their issues directly to the Prime Minister, who emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering growth in various sectors, including agriculture, youth employment, and the empowerment of women.
One of the key topics raised was the lack of support for small agricultural projects. A local agricultural engineer expressed concern over insufficient backing for agricultural initiatives, particularly for young professionals. In response, Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the government’s Project Bloom, which supports youth entrepreneurship across multiple sectors, including agriculture.
“We understand the importance of supporting small businesses,” Barzani said. “Our Project Bloom is aimed at providing young people with the resources they need to start their own businesses. We have already supported 25 companies, and an additional 100 companies are currently in the process of receiving assistance.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is eager to assist young people who have innovative ideas and want to become self-employed, signaling a continued expansion of these efforts in the future.
Another issue raised came from a resident of the Shiladze area, who expressed frustration over limited job opportunities in the area, leading to many young people migrating abroad. Prime Minister Barzani acknowledged the region’s struggles, including the impact of armed conflicts, which have hindered development. He stressed the government’s intention to boost tourism and economic activity in the area once security concerns are resolved.
“We know that Shiladze has been affected by ongoing conflicts, which have limited our ability to serve the region,” Barzani said. “But we are committed to creating opportunities, especially in tourism, to revitalize the local economy.”
The role of women, particularly Yezidi women, in society was also a focal point of the discussions. A Yezidi woman from the audience expressed her desire for greater representation and support for Yezidi women in the next government. Prime Minister Barzani responded by reaffirming his government’s commitment to empowering women and increasing their participation in public and administrative roles.
“The strength and capability of Kurdish women, including Yezidi women, is much greater than many people realize,” Barzani remarked. “We will continue to support their development and provide more opportunities for them to contribute to society.”
Education and infrastructure issues were also raised, with several participants highlighting concerns about inadequate school services and housing project deficiencies. One attendee, a teacher, inquired about the future of education and the government’s plans to improve school facilities and staffing levels. The Prime Minister acknowledged the need for better education services, stating that the government is working on pension reforms to allow older teachers to retire, creating job opportunities for younger educators.
On the issue of housing projects, Barzani assured residents that the government is committed to ensuring that contractors meet quality standards and deliver on their promises. He encouraged residents to bring any complaints to the relevant authorities, noting that the government would intervene when necessary to uphold standards.
One of the most pressing concerns raised was the impact of the Turkish-Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) conflict on the region, particularly in Duhok province, where villages have been abandoned due to clashes. Barzani underscored that the conflict between Turkey and the PKK has caused great suffering in border regions and pledged that the government would continue to work toward protecting civilians and maintaining stability.
“The war between Turkey and the PKK is not our war, but it has deeply affected our people,” Barzani said. “We have repeatedly asked the PKK to remove their forces from our region, but unfortunately, they have not listened. Our priority remains the safety of our people, and we are committed to preventing further harm.”
The town hall allowed residents to express their concerns and receive direct responses from the Prime Minister, showcasing the government’s willingness to engage with the public.