PUK MP: TBI's Inclusion in 'My Account' Does Not Move Towards Nationalisation of Salaries

PUKMEDIA

Karwan Yarwais, a member of PUK bloc in Iraqi parliament.

A representative of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) bloc in the Iraqi parliament affirmed that the participation of the Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) in the 'My Account' project of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) does not signify the execution of the Federal Supreme Court's ruling in Iraq concerning the nationalisation of salaries for employees in the Kurdistan Region. 

Karwan Yarwais, rapporteur of the PUK bloc in the Iraqi parliament, said in a statement to PUKMEDIA: "The TBI was included in the 'My Account' project seven months ago. However, what raises questions is that now, as efforts to implement the Federal Court's decision and nationalise the salaries of the Region's employees are intensifying, the bank has announced its participation in the 'My Account' project."

He further emphasised that "everyone must be aware that TBI Bank's participation in the 'My Account' project does not mean the commencement of salary nationalisation or the implementation of the Federal Court's decision. Moreover, it fails to address the demands of the Region's employees who advocate for their salaries to be processed through banks associated with the federal government." He pointed out that, despite TBI's inclusion in the project seven months ago, only a few hundred employees have had their bank accounts opened.

Yarwais also stated that when employees fill out the 'My Account' form, they can select TBI Bank as their primary option; however, they are required to choose a private bank for the reserve option, given that TBI is the sole government bank involved in the project. He also noted that TBI has yet to initiate the process of opening branches in key areas such as Halabja Province, as well as in Garmian, Raparin, Zakho, and Soran, and that there is an insufficient number of ATMs to facilitate the distribution of salaries.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) bloc is actively working to nationalise the salaries of employees in the Kurdistan Region within Iraqi government banks. They have initiated a campaign to gather signatures in the Iraqi parliament and have filed a lawsuit with the Karkh Court in Baghdad, against the efforts that prevent the nationalisation process and force employees to join the 'My Account' Project.

On February 21, 2024, the Federal Supreme Court ruled that the Prime Ministers of both the Federal Government and the KRG must ensure the nationalisation of salaries for all employees across ministries, governorates, and other governmental entities, including retirees and beneficiaries of the social protection network, in federal government banks operating outside the Kurdistan Region. 

This decision represents a significant step in addressing salary nationalisation and enhancing financial integration between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government.



PUKMEDIA