Slemani — New Generation Movement (Naway Nwe) leader Shaswar Abdulwahid announced on Wednesday that his party is expected to sign a strategic agreement with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) by the end of next week to form the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), saying the deal aims to revive the economy, ensure regular salary payments, and pave the way for the approval of the region’s budget law.
Speaking at a press conference in Sulaymaniyah on June 24, Abdulwahid said the New Generation Movement’s 15 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament have made it a decisive political force in the government formation process.
“Because of these 15 seats, we have become a decisive force, and we will decide who governs and what is done for the people,” he said.
Abdulwahid revealed that while negotiations with the PUK have advanced significantly, the agreement has not yet been finalized.
“There are certain points that are important to us and must be incorporated into any signed agreement,” he said. “They must become part of the government’s agenda and be implemented 100 percent.”
The New Generation Movement has historically positioned itself as an opposition party, making its planned participation in a KRG cabinet a significant political shift. Addressing possible criticism from supporters, Abdulwahid insisted the move is intended to advance the public interest.
“Some people might say this is a deviation from our voters’ voices, but we assure everyone that our project will serve the people,” he said.
Holding up a draft document during the press conference, Abdulwahid said it outlines the proposed partnership with the PUK and is expected to be signed by the end of next weekend after remaining details are finalized.
According to Abdulwahid, implementation of the agreement would help stimulate the economy, guarantee timely salary payments, provide marriage and housing loans for young people, reduce water, electricity and tax burdens, and facilitate the passage of the Kurdistan Region’s budget law.
He also warned that the New Generation Movement would not remain in government if it fails to deliver tangible results.
“If we join the government and cannot serve the people, we will wait for a maximum of one year before withdrawing completely from the cabinet,” he said.
Responding to questions about whether the PUK had promised the movement positions in Sulaymaniyah’s local administration, Abdulwahid said no discussions had yet taken place regarding government posts.
The New Generation leader also dismissed suggestions that the agreement was linked to his previous imprisonment in Sulaymaniyah.
“I requested an agreement a year ago, but the PUK president only agreed to reach an agreement after my imprisonment,” he said, denying that the negotiations were the result of political pressure.
The announcement comes more than 18 months after Kurdistan’s parliamentary elections, as political parties continue to struggle to form a new government and elect the parliament’s leadership.
Abdulwahid noted that his party previously filed a lawsuit with Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court seeking the dissolution of the Kurdistan Parliament because of the prolonged political deadlock.
Asked about the next prime minister, Abdulwahid said his movement is open to a candidate from the PUK, the New Generation Movement or an independent figure.
“However, if they ask me, I will become the prime minister, because we have plans that can be implemented better that way,” he said.
The proposed alliance follows remarks by PUK President Bafel Talabani on June 1, when he announced that the PUK and the New Generation Movement would soon sign a strategic agreement to establish the next KRG cabinet.
Talabani said the alliance would give the two parties a combined total of 39 parliamentary seats—the same number held by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)—strengthening their demand for half of the positions in the next regional government.
