Nechirvan Barzani

In March 2006, Nechirvan Barzani lead the fifth cabinet, the first unified cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government. Many of Barzani's supporters believe that he played an important role in developing the Kurdistan Region. During his first term as Prime Minister, his supporters nicknamed his cabinet as "The Development Cabinet" praising his work in the development of the Kurdistan Region.[8] From September 2009 through January 2012, a Kurdish politician from the ruling KDP-PUK coalition, Barham Salih, assumed office as Prime Minister of the KRG.

Nechirvan Barzani was re-elected as Prime Minister in 2012.[9] His political priorities focused on improvements to the standard of living in the Kurdistan Region, as well as strengthening peace, security, stability, foreign relations, and foreign investments.[7] He also presided over the consolidation and promotion of rights for women, as well as the ethnic and religious groups in the Region. Under his tenure, the Kurdistan Region underwent a widespread development program in its electricity, water, housing, and road infrastructure. During his tenure, more than thirty countries established their official representation offices in the Kurdistan Region.[5]

In 2014, the war against the Islamic State impacted the Kurdistan Region. In addition to defense, the Kurdistan Region also hosted nearly two million displaced people who sought refuge in Kurdistan. Also, with the fall in international oil prices and Iraq's failure to deliver the Region's budget portion, the Region also entered a massive economic crisis.[5] Barzani successfully used diplomatic means to peacefully rebuild relations with Baghdad and resume budgetary allotments.

Following the 2017 Kurdistan independence referendum, the Federal Iraqi Government took hostile policies and military actions against the Kurdistan Region. Barzani used his position to again normalize relations with Baghdad and to strengthen ties with the international community with an increased international diplomacy effort.

Nechirvan Barzani takes oath of office to become President of the Kurdistan Region at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. Erbil,June 10, 2019.

On 28 May 2019, out of 81 MPs who participated at the session, Nechirvan Barzani was elected as the President of Kurdistan Region by the votes of 68 MPs.[10] Nechirvan Barzani was inaugurated as President of the Kurdistan Region in June 2019. Citing democracy as one of the Kurdistan Region's greatest achievements, in his inauguration speech he stated his duty as President of the Kurdistan Region is to continue strengthening Kurdistan's democratic values and developing the government's political, social and economic policies to improve those sectors as well as education, healthcare, and industry.[11]

Nechirvan Barzani has been recognized for his promotion of the rights of all ethnic and religious groups, continued inter-faith dialogue, and women's rights.[12] For this reason, Nechirvan Barzani received support from the various ethnic and religious groups in the Kurdistan Region who believe his presidency enhances the likelihood that they will continue to be treated fairly with equal rights and freedoms in Kurdistan Region.[12] His election as President signaled a mandate by the Kurdistan Region Parliament to continue advancing fair and equal treatment under his leadership. This has positioned Kurdistan as a leader that serves as an example for other nations in the Middle East.[12]

President Barzani affirmed during his inauguration speech that he will continue plans to build solidarity with neighboring countries, strengthen relations with the international community, and to work closely with the federal government in Baghdad to jointly agree on solutions within the framework of the Constitution of Iraq.[11]

As President, Nechirvan Barzani remains dedicated to continue his Yezidi rescue mission. Barzani established a special office in 2014 devoted to rescuing Yezidi survivors in ISIS terrorist captivity. More than 3,340 Yezidi victims have been liberated by the office.[12]