ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - In a New Year's Eve address on Wednesday, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani highlighted the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) achievements in 2025, while expressing his hopes that a cabinet will be formed soon despite having been "regrettably... obstructed so far."

"The past year was a year of many achievements and the completion of several important and strategic projects. At the same time, it was a year of obstacles and challenges," Barzani said in a statement. "We hope that in the near future, a new KRG cabinet will be formed."

"The higher interests of Kurdistan must no longer be sacrificed for the interests of any side," the premier stressed.

The Kurdistan Region held its parliamentary elections in October 2024, with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) emerging victorious with 39 seats, followed by the rivaling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) with 23. 

The two main parties have yet to reach an agreement on forming the next cabinet due to disputes over posts. The premier is also the deputy leader of the KDP.

Barzani also called for forming the next federal cabinet soon. Iraq held its parliamentary elections on November 11, and the results displayed a significant victory for the KDP, which secured 27 seats and became the first Iraqi and Kurdish political party in history to surpass one million votes.

The KDP has repeatedly stressed that its main objective in participating in the next Iraqi government and parliament is to ensure the implementation of constitutional articles that guarantee the rights of the Kurdistan Region and its people.

Barzani highlighted his cabinet’s accomplishments in various sectors over the past year.

"Over the past year we were able to deliver the KRG’s reforms across various sectors, particularly ensuring 24-hour electricity, addressing water scarcity, building roads, and improving the financial and banking infrastructure," he said.

Since the 9th KRG cabinet came to office, over 700 road projects have been implemented and close to 17,000 traffic signs have been installed on the Region’s roads. Additionally, the landmark Runaki Project has provided round-the-clock electricity to most provinces in the Region. 

The cabinet has also launched numerous environmentally friendly projects in recent years to provide clean water to citizens and to support green initiatives by the government to protect the environment and boost afforestation.