Iran Presidential Candidates Discuss Economic Problems in Live Debate
In the midst of Iran’s upcoming presidential election on June 28, six candidates took to the stage for the second live debate on state television. The focus of this debate was on Iran’s economic challenges, a pressing issue for the country as it grapples with sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western nations.
The candidates delved into various aspects of Iran’s economy, including inflation, the budget deficit, fuel consumption subsidies, and education. While all candidates vowed to work towards lifting sanctions and implementing reforms, concrete details were lacking in their proposals.
One prominent candidate, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, emphasized the detrimental impact of sanctions on Iran’s economy. Qalibaf, a former Tehran mayor with ties to the Revolutionary Guard, stressed the importance of negotiation as a means to lift Western sanctions. He highlighted the need for Iranians to have a good quality of life, not just an ordinary one.
Amir Hossein Qazizadeh Hashemi, Iran’s vice president, pledged to continue the work of the late President Ebrahim Raisi and expressed his commitment to developing the tourism industry. Qalibaf also addressed the issue of healthcare, calling for fundamental changes in how health workers are compensated to prevent the emigration of doctors and nurses due to poor working conditions.
The candidates unanimously agreed on the significance of the Education Ministry in shaping the future generation of Iran. Qalibaf advocated for an increase in the ministry’s budget to support educational initiatives.
Amidst the candidates’ discussions on economic policies, Masoud Pezeshkian emerged as the sole pro-reform candidate. Backed by prominent reformist figures, Pezeshkian believes that resolving internal party differences and addressing external factors can help alleviate Iran’s economic crisis.
The upcoming election occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and the West. Iran’s nuclear program, support for militia proxy forces in the Middle East, and involvement in conflicts such as Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict have drawn international scrutiny.
As the candidates vie for the presidency, their proposed economic solutions will be closely scrutinized by voters grappling with the impact of sanctions and economic challenges. The outcome of the election will not only shape Iran’s economic future but also its geopolitical standing on the world stage.
In conclusion, the second live debate among Iran’s presidential candidates shed light on their differing approaches to addressing the country’s economic woes. With a focus on negotiations, reforms, and sector-specific policies, each candidate presented their vision for steering Iran towards economic stability amidst challenging global circumstances.