Mapping Political Support for Sulaimani's Salary Protests

Here is an overview of public statements, parliamentary positions, and media coverage that indicate which political parties support or oppose the protests in Sulaimani:

Parties Supporting the Protests:

• PUK:

Reports indicate that some protesters, particularly those on hunger strike, have ties to the PUK, specifically to Bafel Talabani. The party’s stance in the Iraqi Parliament, along with its media coverage, suggests at least tacit approval of the protests. PUK holds 18 seats in the Iraqi Parliament and 25 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament.

• New Generation Movement:

The party has publicly expressed support for the protests, with its representatives visiting demonstrators as a sign of solidarity. New Generation holds 15 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament and 9 seats in the Iraqi Parliament.

• Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU):

KIU leaders have openly backed the protests through public statements, visits to demonstrators, and expressions of support in the Iraqi Parliament. The party holds 7 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament and 4 seats in the Iraqi Parliament.

• Halwest Faction:

Led by Ali Hama Saleh, the faction is also actively supporting the protests and Hama Saleh have visited the protesters to show support. The faction holds four seats in the Kurdistan Parliament.

• Kurdistan Justice Group (Komal):

The Justice Group has similarly endorsed the protests through official statements, visits, and parliamentary support. It holds 3 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament and 1 seat in the Iraqi Parliament.

• People's Front:

Led by Lahur Sheikh Jangi, the party has demonstrated its support through visits to the protesters and public declarations backing their cause. The People's Front holds 2 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament.

• Gorran Movement:

The Gorran Movement has demonstrated support by publicly visiting protesters to show solidarity. Gorran currently holds 1 seat in the Kurdistan Parliament.

• Kurdistan Communist Party:

The party has expressed its support by organizing a small-scale demonstration in Erbil in front of its office. The Communist Party shares a joint seat with the Socialist Party in the Kurdistan Parliament.

Parties Opposing the Protests:

• KDP:

The KDP, under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, has launched a media campaign portraying the protesters as pursuing a “notorious agenda” and arguing that their demands exceed the KRG’s current authority. The KDP holds 42 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament and 31 seats in the Iraqi Parliament.

Despite reports of a tentative agreement between Baghdad and Erbil regarding the 2025 KRG salaries—under which January salaries have reportedly also been sent to Erbil—the protests and hunger strike in Sulaimani continue. Today marks the eighth day of the strike.