Social Democratic Values in the Kurdistan Regional Government's Formation

Dara Khailany, Member of PUK's Leadership Council.

Written by Dara Khailany, Member of PUK's Leadership Council and Head of the Foreign Relations Department

Returning to the ideological principles of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), both of which identify as social democratic parties, it would be both unique and even a crime not to reflect these ideologies in the creation of a genuine partnership government. However, it is often challenging to translate an ideological principle into practice, especially when the formation of a government is influenced by a range of political challenges, as well as internal and external factors. That said, the implementation of the democratic and social democratic values that have become central to the ideologies of these two parties will address many of the long-standing governance issues in the Kurdistan Region. Both parties, having secured victory in the 20th October 2024 elections, aim to make it their primary governance task in the Region.

In short, social democratic values such as freedom, equality, justice, and solidarity for social democrats can serve as the foundation for shaping the next cabinet's programme. Freedom of expression, both individually and at the government level, is crucial for voicing the wishes and needs of the Kurdish people. Similarly, ensuring a fair and equal environment within Kurdish society will restore the trust of the Kurdish people in the system of coexistence, allowing them to fulfil their duties and realise their rights.

On the other hand, justice, in its simplest form, leads to the restoration of patriotism and fosters a sense of love between individuals and their country. Ultimately, the solidarity and unity of the social democratic forces, particularly the two parties that won the elections, will enhance the capacity and strength of the Kurdistan Regional Government in tackling the crisis.

What remains is how these values are put into practice, particularly in the negotiations between the PUK and KDP delegations. Even when viewed through a logical lens, it may be easier, and less influenced by party sensitivities, to centre the discussions around any of these principles. For example, if we focus on a ministry's programme or any governance theme, building on the foundations of decision-making freedom, equality in distribution, and justice for the people, while also gaining the support of social democratic parties and movements both in the region and globally, the resulting ministry programme will ultimately benefit the Kurdish people. Both parties, along with their allies, will emerge stronger from their popular mandate.

What remains is how these values are put into practice, particularly in the negotiations between the PUK and KDP delegations. Even when assessed through a logical perspective, it may be easier—and less influenced by party sensitivities—to centre any of these principles in the discussions. For example, if we focus on a ministry's programme or any governance issue, based on principles such as freedom of decision, equality in sharing, and justice for the people, while also garnering the support of social democratic parties and movements both regionally and globally, the resulting programme will ultimately benefit the Kurdish people. Both parties, along with their allies, will grow stronger from their popular mandate.

This is not a theoretical task detached from reality, nor is it difficult to implement. On the contrary, if these values are not properly balanced when drafting the work programme for the next Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet, the programme will be marked by imbalances and shortcomings and will have a significantly negative impact on the successful implementation of its provisions.

Finally, a party advocates certain intellectual and ideological values in order to apply them when given the opportunity to govern. Otherwise, like the artificial parties that have emerged and faded throughout various eras, they will become nothing more than a burden on governance and a source of misery for the country and its people.

Therefore, it is once again both inevitable and logical that, in the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet, the admirable values of democracy and social democracy serve as the foundation for discussion, programming, and even as criteria for assessing the implementation of the programme's provisions.