Government Announces New Subsidy Deposit, Stresses Unity and Economic Resilience
In a weekly press conference on Tuesday, Government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mahagerani outlined new government initiatives, highlighting a renewed focus on national unity, economic reform, and direct support for citizens, including the imminent deposit of a new essential commodity subsidy.
Emphasis on National Cohesion and Consensus-Building
Mahagerani began by referencing a recent meeting between government members and the Leader of the Revolution. She stated that the guidance provided emphasized “focusing on strengths, preserving national cohesion, and utilizing opportunities for consensus-building.” This directive was cited as the foundational principle for the government’s current actions.
The spokesperson pointed to the President’s recent attendance at a non-public parliamentary session as a prime example of this consensus-building in action. The goal, she explained, was to leverage this collaborative spirit to address the nation’s issues and improve the livelihood of the people, despite the long-standing constraints and sanctions affecting Iran’s economy.
Structural Reforms and the Path to a Balanced Budget
A significant portion of the address was dedicated to economic restructuring. Mahagerani confirmed that the Plan and Budget Organization presented a report to parliament aimed at aligning national programs with the budget to prioritize essential expenditures.
“In accordance with the Leader’s directive to structurally reform the budget and balance the country’s income and expenditure, the government is pursuing structural reforms,” Mahagerani stated. She designated the Administrative and Employment Affairs Organization as the body responsible for following up on this critical task, noting that patience from both parliament and executive bodies would be required for this “streamlining” process to succeed.
Direct Support: Subsidy Deposit Imminent
A key announcement for the public was the confirmation of the upcoming subsidy deposit. “The essential commodity subsidy will be deposited on Wednesday,” Mahagerani declared, framing it as part of the government’s broader effort to provide direct support to citizens amidst economic challenges.
Foreign Policy: A Message of Peace and Strengthening Alliances
Touching on international affairs, Mahagerani discussed the President’s recent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and a military parade. She expressed hope for the “return of rationality to all nations” to usher in global peace and stability, noting the growing interest of many countries in alliances like the SCO and BRICS.
Looking ahead to the President’s upcoming address at the UN General Assembly in New York, the spokesperson said the core message would be emphasizing national interests and conveying the voice of the Iranian people to the world, particularly following the “brutal Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran.” Bilateral meetings with other heads of state are also being planned, with the genocide in Gaza expected to be a key topic of discussion.
Addressing Practical Challenges: Cyber Attacks and Bread Supply
The government also addressed specific operational issues. Mahagerani detailed the response to a recent cyber attack on Bank Sepharad, which targeted its system for managing bakery transactions in an attempt to “agitate the people.” She reported that thanks to coordinated efforts, the issue had been resolved for over 99.5% of the affected bakeries.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to food security, she stated, “The President strongly emphasizes providing bread for the people… he is pursuing a policy where the government pays a subsidy for part of the production cost instead of increasing the price, so that the people do not face problems.”
