The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Cabinet held its weekly regular meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, chaired by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani. The meeting addressed several key issues, including the appointment of 2024 medical graduates, the extension of traffic fine reductions, and the resolution of salary delays for government employees.

At the outset of the meeting, Prime Minister Barzani, on behalf of the Cabinet, extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Kurdistan on the occasion of Nowruz and the Kurdish New Year 2725. He expressed his wishes for the new year to bring prosperity, blessings, and goodwill to all citizens.

Key Decisions and Discussions:

Extension of Traffic Fine Reduction:

The Minister of Interior, Rebar Ahmed, proposed extending the previous Cabinet decision to reduce traffic fines by 20% for an additional six months. In support of citizens, the Cabinet unanimously approved the proposal, extending the reduction period from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025.

Resolution of Salary Delays:

The Minister of Finance and Economy, Awat Sheikh Janab, presented the issue of salary delays for employees of the Kurdistan Regional Government, including both permanent staff and contract workers. The delays were caused by the Federal Ministry of Finance’s decision to freeze the payroll for July 2024. The Cabinet directed the Ministry of Finance and Economy to take necessary measures to ensure the payment of salaries and resolve the delays based on proposals submitted during the meeting.

Appointment of 2024 Medical Graduates:

The Minister of Health, Dr. Saman Barzinji, presented a report on the 2024 graduates of general medical colleges, prepared in accordance with the law governing the progression of medical and health professionals. The report outlined their career, professional, and service pathways. The Cabinet directed the Ministries of Health, Finance and Economy, and the Public Service Council to coordinate with the Federal Ministry of Finance to appoint the graduates to the Ministry of Health’s payroll, consistent with their counterparts in other parts of Iraq. The results of these efforts are to be presented in upcoming Cabinet meetings to ensure appropriate decisions are made regarding their appointments. This aims to prevent disruptions in medical progression, reorganize the healthcare system, and provide necessary medical supplies and services in hospitals.

The Cabinet’s decisions reflect the KRG’s commitment to addressing citizens’ needs, supporting public sector employees, and strengthening the healthcare system. The extension of the traffic fine reduction demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to economic challenges faced by citizens, while the resolution of salary delays and the appointment of medical graduates underscore efforts to improve public services and ensure the well-being of the region’s workforce.