Pezeshkian urges for national unity as parliament commences discussions on the cabinet appointments.
Iran's Parliament has commenced the formal assessment of the credentials of the nominated ministers for the incoming administration. President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized the critical need for solidarity and collaboration among the three branches of government to address the nation's challenges effectively.
During an open session of Parliament on Saturday, Pezeshkian strongly endorsed his selection of 19 ministers and advocated for friendly resolutions to tackle both domestic and international challenges, rather than resorting to severe actions.
He emphasized the dedication and reliability of the Iranian people, noting that the government’s honesty and openness would reinforce the relationship between both parties.
“The cabinet presented to parliament today represents a government of national unity, according to Pezeshkian. This administration views itself as the government for all Iranian citizens. It is dedicated to upholding the citizenship rights of every individual and prioritizing national interests above all else.”
The Iranian president urged for collaborative and synchronized actions from all three branches of government to address the people’s concerns, warning, “Failing to listen to the public promptly will lead to increasing dissatisfaction and disillusionment, ultimately causing a loss of hope and the erosion of our investments.”
Highlighting numerous challenges confronting the nation, Pezeshkian indicated that the Islamic Republic is experiencing “imbalances” across economic, societal, environmental, educational, and cultural domains. However, he emphasized, “Our people have demonstrated their love for their country, and if effective measures are implemented to address these issues, they will mobilize with all their strength.”
The president emphasized the importance of using a scientific approach for policy and decision-making, and advocated for addressing issues through collective wisdom rather than personal preferences.
Pezeshkian also underscored his determination to combat corruption, uphold freedom of speech, value criticism, and promote national dialogue.
He identified US sanctions as the primary threat to the Iranian nation and urged for unity among the citizens to tackle the problem.
“The economy is fundamentally central to the country’s issues, but isolating it from other sectors and viewing it merely as a collection of typical economic problems is a grave error. According to Pezeshkian, the current predicament can only be resolved through concurrent reforms in both international relations and domestic policies.”
“This goal can only be accomplished through a holistic perspective that considers both domestic and international, economic and political matters. It necessitates a shared understanding of the nation’s current challenges, requiring the collaboration and mutual understanding of all three branches of government,” he remarked.
Pezeshkian will have two and a half hours to present a defense of his cabinet before Parliament. Following his defense, five critics and five advocates of the proposed ministers will each deliver speeches during the session.
On August 11, he presented the list of his new cabinet appointees to the Parliament, just under two weeks following his inauguration before the nation’s lawmakers. Among the most notable names on the list are Abbas Araqchi and Abdolnaser Hemmati.
Pezeshkian’s selection of cabinet members has stirred discontent among several people within the Reformist faction, but he has stood by his choices. He urges critics to “wait until the cabinet begins its duties and then evaluate it based on its achievements.”
