Agreement Text Between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the New Generation Movement
In order to strengthen democracy, protect and uphold citizens' rights, improve living conditions and governance, both parties—the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the New Generation Movement—have agreed to enter into a strategic political agreement aimed at restoring political balance in the Kurdistan Region, rebalancing political power, strengthening national partnership in a way that serves all citizens without discrimination, and ensuring fair and transparent management of public resources.
This agreement responds to the current political and economic crises in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq by proposing a new governance model based on justice, institutional balance, and transparency in managing financial revenues. It also seeks to strengthen public confidence in state institutions and improve salaries, livelihoods, and the quality of public services.
Principles of the Agreement
First: Objectives
Restore political balance in the Kurdistan Region through cooperation among government institutions, parliament, and political actors by forming a unified political bloc for this stage.
Strengthen joint efforts to build formal institutions based on consensus and balance.
Establish the principles of justice and transparency in managing public resources and revenues, particularly by adopting a Budget Law for the Kurdistan Region.
Develop an institutional governance system that limits the concentration of power and strengthens oversight and accountability.
Reinforce the separation of legislative, oversight, executive, and judicial powers while respecting the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
Second: Cooperation in the Kurdistan Parliament
Coordinate positions within the Kurdistan Parliament and the Iraqi Council of Representatives to support political and institutional reforms and jointly back important legislative initiatives.
Support laws that increase financial transparency and oversight of public revenues.
Establish a joint committee to monitor the implementation of reforms and evaluate performance.
Strengthen the role of the Kurdistan Parliament as the legislative and oversight authority.
Coordinate the preparation and approval of draft laws through parliament and legislative institutions.
Work to repeal or amend laws that require revision and reverse decisions made outside parliamentary legislation that have negatively affected citizens' livelihoods.
Prepare and pass legislation to improve citizens' living standards, especially in healthcare, education, public services, taxation, and fees.
The alliance will work together in the next Kurdistan Regional Government to implement the following:
a. Return part of the deducted and withheld salaries of public employees and reopen their bank accounts.
b. Provide marriage loans to young people.
c. Reduce electricity prices and other service charges.
d. Lower taxes and fees on businesses.
e. Create employment opportunities for university and institute graduates and establish an agency for employment services.
f. Resolve the issues facing teachers and temporary and contract employees.
Third: Cooperation in the Iraqi Council of Representatives
Unify political positions concerning the rights of the Kurdistan Region, particularly regarding the budget, financial entitlements of Kurdistan's citizens, disputed territories, and the Peshmerga.
Cooperate to safeguard the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region within Iraq's federal system.
Fourth: Principles for Forming the Kurdistan Regional Government
Work toward forming a government based on political balance and genuine partnership.
Distribute government positions fairly.
Ensure full transparency in the management and collection of oil and non-oil revenues.
Create an independent financial oversight mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability.
Strengthen oversight institutions, the judiciary, and the Integrity Commission while keeping them free from partisan interference.
Require that the regional budget be approved by the Kurdistan Parliament and implemented under parliamentary oversight, ensuring fairness for all regions.
Fifth: General Principles
Both parties commit to jointly reforming governance in the Kurdistan Region in a way that strengthens democracy and institutional balance.
Launch a comprehensive reform program to reorganize governmental and parliamentary decision-making mechanisms transparently and clearly define the powers of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and ministers.
Strengthen the independence of the legislative and judicial branches and ensure a clear separation of powers.
Work with all political parties and relevant institutions to prepare and adopt a Constitution for the Kurdistan Region that protects its political structure, citizens' rights, and democratic and civil liberties.
Review financial and administrative policies to ensure fair revenue management and equitable distribution among institutions and regions.
Apply principles of good governance in appointing senior government officials.
Open the reform process to participation by political and civil society groups to ensure political continuity and institutional stability.
Sixth: Implementation and Follow-up Mechanisms
Establish a joint committee from both parties to monitor implementation of the agreement's provisions.
Hold regular meetings to assess progress and identify any shortcomings.
Conclusion
Both parties affirm that this agreement represents a strategic step toward a new political phase in the Kurdistan Region, based on restoring political balance, promoting justice, strengthening citizens' trust in public institutions, and working together to build a stable and prosperous future that better serves the people.
