Sema
Iraqi MP Vian Dakhil, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Democratic Party bloc in Parliament, has strongly criticized successive Iraqi governments for deliberately ignoring the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region, despite being fully aware of the Iraqi Constitution’s provisions.
“Every government that comes to power in Baghdad knows exactly what’s in the Constitution—because they helped draft it after the fall of the dictatorship,” Dakhil said.
She emphasized that when it comes to the Kurdistan Region’s rights and entitlements, Baghdad feigns ignorance, while deliberately overlooking Article 117, which explicitly recognizes the Kurdistan Region as a constitutional entity with its own government and parliament.
Dakhil also pointed out that disputes with Baghdad have persisted for years without real solutions.
“Every year, we face new crises. Ministries like Finance or Natural Resources make political statements aimed at creating tension with the Region,” she stated.
She noted that 12 clear points were agreed upon between Erbil and Baghdad—covering oil and gas law, the Region’s share of the federal budget, and more. Yet in practice, Baghdad often resorts to new excuses and justifications, failing to implement the agreements.
Dakhil confirmed that the Kurdistan committees have submitted all necessary documents transparently, yet Baghdad continues to rely on media narratives to justify decisions, including the cutting of salaries for public sector workers in the Kurdistan Region.
“Claims that the federal government has fully delivered the Region’s budget share are false and lack any supporting evidence,” she concluded.