Ending a de-facto policy of economic independence, KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani promises public-sector salaries that can only be sustained with Baghdad subsidies. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (center) and Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luiebi (center-right) meet in Baghdad on Jan. 20, 2018, with KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani (center-left) and his delegation. (Iraqi Prime Minister’s media office) ERBIL – Unprecedented anti-government demonstrations have fundamentally altered the political dynamics of the autonomous Kurdistan region, forcing its leaders into a policy of economic reintegration with the federal government. Under pressure from protesters, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani is reversing unpopular cuts to the salaries of civil servants, effectively making financial commitments than can only be fulfilled with the help of budget transfers from Baghdad. This content is for registered users . Please login to continue. If you are not a registered user, you may purchase a subscription or […]