Background on Iran’s President and the Current Situation
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has urged citizens to exercise “genuine empathy,” which he believes will prompt authorities to engage in “constructive criticism.” This call comes as protests, sparked four days ago against economic hardship, have begun to spread beyond the capital city of Tehran. The recent plummeting of Iran’s currency, the rial, has directly led to a surge in food prices. Moreover, international sanctions have exacerbated the country’s economic woes.
Protests Across Iran
Semi-official media outlets, such as the Nour agency, have reported new demonstrations in Fasa, a central-southern city. Protesters stormed the governor’s office, expressing discontent over the currency’s recent collapse. The economic situation in Iran is further strained by international sanctions.
President Pezeshkian’s Response
Pezeshkian acknowledged the legitimacy of protests but warned against combining them with “foreign powers’ pressures” and internal posturing that causes “weakness and harm.” He emphasized the importance of focusing on positive performance aspects and fostering genuine empathy to overcome crises and pressures, stating that mutual support, genuine empathy, and constructive criticism can pave the way through current challenges and facilitate sustainable reforms.
Tehran Protests and Government Response
Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that shops were closed, and crowds gathered around Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, the initial protest epicenter over the weekend. Despite heavy security, videos suggested police in riot gear were forcing shop closures and dispersing crowds using batons.
According to the Tehran-based Shargh newspaper, at least four students were detained during protests at Tehran University on Tuesday. Additionally, a political reporter for the reformist Etemad newspaper was arrested while covering Monday’s protests in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar but was released on Wednesday.
New Banco Central Governor Appointed
In light of the ongoing situation, the Iranian government announced on Wednesday that Abdolnaser Hemmati, former Minister of Economy and Finance, would replace the current Banco Central governor.
“Hemmati’s appointment as the president of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran was made after receiving the highest score from banking sector experts and was ratified by the government’s vote of confidence,” stated Fateme Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Iranian government on X.
Hemmati aims to control inflation and manage the exchange rate. He acknowledged the challenging circumstances and emphasized the need for economic stability with the help of all economic, parliamentary, and administrative experts to ensure tranquility for the population.
“I will definitively eradicate corruption and multiple exchange rate profits. In my opinion, the primary cause of market instability is multiple exchange rates, profits, corruption, and speculation. I will rectify this situation,” Hemmati added.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Masoud Pezeshkian? Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran, who has called for empathy and constructive criticism amid nationwide protests.
- What sparked the protests? The protests were initially triggered by economic hardship, fueled by the rapid decline of Iran’s currency, the rial, and subsequent increases in food prices.
- What are the international sanctions affecting Iran? International sanctions have added to Iran’s economic struggles, further complicating the situation.
- Who is the new Banco Central governor? Abdolnaser Hemmati, former Minister of Economy and Finance, has been appointed as the new governor of Iran’s Central Bank.
- What are Hemmati’s priorities? Hemmati aims to control inflation, manage the exchange rate, and eradicate corruption to stabilize Iran’s economy.
