A Week of National Consensus and Strategic Focus: Iranian Government Outlines Key Priorities
In a week marked by significant domestic and international developments, the Iranian government has emphasized a unified approach to addressing national challenges, following guidance from the country’s leadership.
Leadership Emphasizes Unity and Strengths
Government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mahagerani, during her weekly press conference on Tuesday, highlighted the recent meeting between government members and the Leader of the Revolution. She stated that the Leader emphasized focusing on national strengths, preserving national cohesion, and utilizing opportunities for consensus-building.
Building Consensus Across Branches of Power
Mahagerani pointed to the President’s attendance at the parliament as a prime example of the government’s efforts to build consensus with other branches of power to improve the livelihood of the people. She noted that a non-public parliamentary session focused on leveraging this consensus to solve the nation’s problems, despite years of economic sanctions and constraints.
Structural Budget Reforms and Economic Priorities
A key directive from the leadership involves structural budget reforms and balancing national income and expenditure. The Plan and Budget Organization reported to parliament on aligning programs with the national budget to prioritize essential projects. The Administrative and Recruitment Organization is following up on these crucial structural reforms. Mahagerani stressed that “slimming down a large government requires patience,” underscoring the need for deliberate action and the delegation of authority to organizations and provinces.
Diplomatic Engagement and a Call for Global Rationality
The government spokesperson also addressed the President’s recent visit to China to attend a military parade and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS summits. She expressed hope for the “return of rationality to all countries,” leading to global peace and stability, noting the growing interest of nations in joining the SCO and BRICS alliances.
Advancing the Seventh Development Plan
A major initiative of the current administration is treating the Seventh Development Plan as its core agenda. A strategic council, chaired by the First Vice President, is seriously pursuing its implementation. To date, 130 out of 160 drafted bylaws have been approved, which are essential for executing the plan’s mandates.
Addressing Key Domestic Issues
The government addressed several pressing domestic matters:
- Education: Over 2,400 educational projects are set to be inaugurated, alongside a festival focused on “Transformation in Teaching Methods and Learning Environments” to promote educational justice.
- Subsidy Vouchers: New subsidy vouchers are scheduled for deposit to citizens on Wednesday.
- Bread Supply: Following a cyberattack on a bank that processes bakery payments, the government resolved issues for over 99.5% of bakeries. The President strongly emphasized ensuring bread supply for the people, with the government covering part of the production cost instead of raising prices.
- Waste Management: Plans are underway to convert 50% of waste into fertilizer and fuel.
- Marriage Loans: The Central Bank has allocated a significant budget for marriage loans, with strategies being reviewed to reduce application wait times.
International Representation and Legal Follow-ups
Regarding the President’s upcoming trip to the UN General Assembly in New York, Mahagerani stated the primary goal is to emphasize national interests and convey the voice of the Iranian people to the world, particularly following recent regional events. Bilateral meetings with several heads of state are also planned.
On the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, detained in France, the spokesperson confirmed that Iranian consular officials have held numerous meetings with French authorities and that legal, political, and security follow-ups are ongoing.
A Government of Capacity and Consensus
In response to questions about administrative changes, Mahagerani reiterated the government’s strategy of utilizing capable individuals regardless of their group or party affiliation to solve the people’s problems. The consensus that the government started with, she clarified, is not about allocating shares to individuals but about collaboratively solving accumulated societal issues, a strategy strongly emphasized by the leadership. The government remains committed to transparency and resolving public grievances through official channels.