Kurdistan Earned $12.9 Billion  But Salaries Are Still Missing

Growing Public Anger over Disappearing Budget is being a fact that cannot be ignored anymore.

A recent CNN Business report, citing none other than Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, revealed that Kurdistan’s total revenue in 2024 reached $12.9 billion with 87% of it generated from oil.

Despite this enormous income, anger is mounting across the Kurdistan Region as public sector workers remain unpaid. While the Iraqi federal government delivered all 12 monthly salary allocations to the KRG based on the national budget, the KRG has only distributed 11 months’ worth of salaries to its employees.

As of 10t June 2025, more than 50 days have passed since May salaries were due, yet they have not been paid. This failure has pushed tens of thousands of families further into poverty, as the cost of living continues to rise and public trust collapses.

Activists and citizens have accused the ruling parties particularly the KDP of embezzling public wealth, manipulating the oil sector for personal gain, and using intimidation and fear to silence criticism. People say they are afraid to speak out, fearing reprisals.