Rewritten Title: Parliamentary Speaker Calls for Expedited Economic Reforms, Questions Fuel Import Policy
Article:
Parliamentary Scrutiny Over Economic Management
In a session of the Islamic Parliament of Iran, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf addressed the performance of the government in the economic, social, and cultural spheres of the Seventh Development Plan. During the open session, the Speaker directed pointed questions at the head of the Planning and Budget Organization, highlighting inefficiencies and calling for more decisive action.
Flaws in Subsidy System Exposed
A significant point of contention raised by Speaker Ghalibaf was the management of the bread subsidy platform. He revealed that an analysis of transactions showed only one percent could be clearly identified. Furthermore, he stated that it was evident many transactions did not pertain to the purchase of bread, implying that the system was being misused to obtain flour without the intended end-use.
“Who is responsible for solving this issue?” the Speaker questioned, emphasizing the need for accountability and a swift resolution to the mismanagement.
Delay in Optimization Draws Criticism
Speaker Ghalibaf expressed strong frustration over the prolonged delay in implementing optimization reforms, a matter he noted parliament has been pursuing since the previous year. He questioned the necessity of a nine-month waiting period for such a critical initiative.
“We know this action could create the most significant movement in the stock and energy markets and increase the country’s revenues,” he stated, underscoring the potential economic benefits of the stalled reforms.
Fuel Import Policy Questioned
Contrasting the delay in domestic optimization with another state policy, the Speaker pointed to the routine authorization of substantial gasoline imports. He framed this as a contradictory approach, where proactive measures to boost domestic capacity are delayed while reliance on imports continues.
“These are things that you and I should not just talk about,” Speaker Ghalibaf concluded, “you and I must act.” His remarks underscored a parliamentary push for more efficient economic governance and the accelerated implementation of strategic national plans.