The previous (fifth) cabinet was led by former Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, and was in office from 7 May 2006 to 27 October 2009.

The previous government coalition consisted of several political parties: The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Kurdistan Toilers Party, Kurdistan Socialist Democratic Party, Kurdistan Islamic Union, Kurdistan Communist Party, the Islamic Group and the Turkman Brotherhood Party. Among the cabinet members were a Chaldean, an Assyrian, a Yezidi, a Faili (Shia Kurd) and an independent Turkoman.

Until the unification agreement of 21 January 2006, the governorate of Suleimaniah was governed by a PUK-led administration, while the governorates of Erbil and Dohuk were governed by a KDP-led administration.

In line with the wishes of the people and their own desire for a more efficient and united government, the political parties of the Region signed the historic Unification Agreement.

The broad-based coalition government was made up of 27 ministries and nine ministers without portfolio.

The mission driving the previous cabinet's programme was to secure a bright future for all people at all socio-economic levels living in the Region, through greater efficiency and more openness.

The KRG was determined to establish strong constitutional institutions to further support the democratic process. Its main task was forming a system of good governance through the participation of all groups, with transparency and accountability, which means a modern, professional government.

- Greater efficiency
- Openness and accountability
- Focus on programs and service
- Meeting the difficult challenges

A government that cares about its citizens
The cabinet worked for all socio-economic levels of Kurdistani society. The cabinet recognised that it needed considerable effort, time and resources to meet the requirements and expectations of the people in all sectors.

- Improvements in the education system
- Focus on youth
- Improved water and electricity
- Helping those who cannot help themselves
- Special attention to families of martyrs
- Improvements in fuel availability and pricing

The rule of law is the KRG’s supreme guiding principle. It is above every individual. The fifth cabinet deemed that laws would be drafted in a modern way and they would be based on the principles of democracy and human rights.

- Security is the foundation for economic growth
- Better organization of law enforcement agencies
- More training for security personnel
- Steadfast commitment to safety and security
- Legal and judicial reforms

A government that provides opportunities
The government believes that the economy cannot progress without major developments in the private sector. The KRG worked to reduce unemployment through development of the private sector.

- Better vocational training
- Focus on growth in the private sector
- Improved agricultural production
- New agro-industries
- Micro-credit program for small enterprises
- Major focus on direct foreign investment
- Modernized banking system
- Greater use of information/communication technology
- Energy self-reliance
- Expanding tourism
- English language training

A government that respects its citizens
Building confidence and trust between government and the people were considered vital. Confidence is established when government runs its affairs in a transparent manner and is prepared to be held accountable and subject to examination.

- Encouragement of diverse cultures and languages
- Greater protection for women’s rights
- New focus on human rights
- Efficiency and respect in government operations and programs
- Special commission on corruption
- Protection for the environment

Relations with Federal Iraq
The KRG made every effort to put in place a democratic federal system in Iraq, based on agreement and respect for all nationalities and religions. It therefore supported democratic consensus in the political process.

- Recover Kirkuk and other areas peacefully through the democratic process and rule of law
- Support the establishment of other federal regions in Iraq
- Implement constitutional articles that make Kurdish the second official language in Iraq
- Implement provisions within the constitution regarding the Iraqi budget
- Organize KRG offices abroad within the framework of the Iraqi constitution
- Fight terrorism and violence in any form
- Work shoulder-to-shoulder to bring peace and stability
- Work to rebuild and develop Iraq