Leader Barzani, former PM Al-Maliki discuss Iraq’s government formation

Shafaq News – Pirmam / Erbil (Updated at 17:50)

Talks in Pirmam between Kurdish Leader Masoud Barzani and the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Al-Maliki, focused on efforts to form Iraq’s next government.

In a statement, the leader’s office said that the meeting reviewed the political conditions in Iraq and the wider region. The two leaders also agreed to maintain consultations, underscoring that cooperation among Iraqi parties remains vital for the country’s stability and progress.

Earlier today, Al-Maliki opened his visit to the Kurdistan Region with a meeting with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

The KRG noted that the meeting also addressed the government’s formation as well as the need to resolve outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad “in line with the constitution and existing agreements.”

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Nouri al-Maliki, President of the State of Law Coalition.https://t.co/V4kHZ1x3IQ

— Kurdistan Regional Government (@Kurdistan) November 22, 2025

Al-Maliki’s visit comes after Iraq concluded its sixth parliamentary election since 2003, held last week with nationwide turnout exceeding 56%.

The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) shows that Al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition (E’tilaf Dawlat Al-Qanoun) secured 29 seats, while the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), headed by leader Barzani, won 26 seats.

Focus now shifts to forming the new government and naming a prime minister, with caretaker PM Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Al-Maliki, and Intelligence Service chief Hamid Al-Shatri emerging as the main candidates before the Coordination Framework.

Read more: Five contenders eye Iraq's top post: PM selection looms